Reservoir With Removable Mobile Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A replaceable cartridge for a liquid master dispenser is disclosed. The replaceable cartridge includes a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed from the liquid master dispenser; and a personal dispenser removably coupled to the reservoir. The personal dispenser includes a receptacle for containing liquid to be dispensed from the personal dispenser; and an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle. The personal dispenser is configured for selectively discharging the liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port, after the personal dispenser is removed from the reservoir. The reservoir has a cavity sized for removably receiving the personal dispenser.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/051,319 filed Feb. 23, 2016 and claims the benefit of 35U.S.C. 120.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices that dispense hand cleaning fluids, orother liquids. More particularly, the invention relates to a liquidmaster dispenser having a removable personal or point of care dispenserfor providing a mobile supply of the liquid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The importance of regular hand cleaning in reducing the spread ofinfectious disease is well known. To encourage frequent hand cleaning,it is becoming increasingly common in health care facilities toincorporate prominent hand cleaning stations at entrances and exits, aswell as at other locations throughout. The hand cleaning stations aretypically provided with devices for dispensing hand cleaners such assoap or hand sanitizer, which may be manually operated or touchlesslyoperated.

It is also becoming increasingly common for individuals to carry asupply of hand cleaner in a mobile personal or point of care dispenser,to facilitate hand cleaning when away from a hand cleaning station. Thisis particularly prevalent in the health care industry, where frequenthand cleaning is essential. Mobile personal or point of care dispensersare often small squeezable containers, which may be deposited in apocket or clipped to an item of clothing for easy access, or may beplaced for use at a point of care.

Despite the increasing awareness of the importance of frequent handcleaning, the spread of infections in settings such as hospitals andlong term care facilities remains problematic. To further combat thespread of infections, some institutions have begun implementing measuresfor tracking the hand cleaning activity of health care workers. Forexample, compliance systems may include monitoring hand cleaning and theuse of hand cleaners. The present inventors have appreciated thatpreviously known dispensing systems do not provide arrangements forconveniently monitoring the use of cleaners in personal dispensers orfor the filling of personal dispensers.

The inventors of this application have appreciated that previously knowndevices do not integrate the functions of stationary dispensers andmobile dispensers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To at least partially overcome some of the disadvantages of previouslyknown devices, the invention provides a liquid master dispenser thatincorporates a removable mobile personal, or point of care, dispenser.The personal dispenser is configured to removably couple to the liquidmaster dispenser to receive liquid therefrom. The personal dispenser canthen be removed and carried to a location remote from the masterdispenser, where the liquid in the personal dispenser can be dispensedas needed. In preferred embodiments, the liquid master dispenser is ableto dispense the liquid, as for example onto a user's hands, both whilethe personal dispenser is coupled to the master dispenser and while thepersonal dispenser is removed from the master dispenser.

The inventors have appreciated that, in at least some embodiments, theliquid dispenser of the invention is able to provide the dual functionsof: (i) filling and refilling a mobile personal dispenser; and (ii)directly dispensing liquid, as for example onto a user's hands. In atleast some preferred embodiments, the integration of a stationary handcleaner dispenser with a mobile personal dispenser permits simplifiedtracking of hand cleaning compliance to take into account the cleanerdispensed from the personal dispenser.

In one embodiment, the liquid master dispenser of the inventionincorporates a reservoir for containing the liquid to be dispensed, anda dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir. Theliquid master dispenser also incorporates a discharge mechanism, such asa manually or electronically activated pump assembly, which is operableto discharge the liquid from the dispenser outlet. A personal dispenseris removably coupled to the dispenser outlet, and has a receptacle forcontaining liquid received from the liquid master dispenser. Thepersonal dispenser is provided with an outlet port from which the liquidcontained in the receptacle may be discharged.

While the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, theliquid discharged from the dispenser outlet accumulates in thereceptacle. As the liquid accumulates, the air displaced thereby may,for example, be expelled from the receptacle via the outlet port or aseparate pressure relief valve.

The personal dispenser is configured so that, once the volume of theliquid contained within the receptacle reaches a preselected thresholdamount, the receipt of further liquid from the master dispenser causesliquid contained within the personal dispenser to be discharged from theoutlet port. This may be achieved, for example, by incorporating abaffle wall into the receptacle which prevents the accumulated liquidfrom reaching the outlet port until the level of the liquid within thereceptacle exceeds the height of the baffle wall. Preferably, the heightof the baffle wall is selected so that the receptacle must be nearlyfull before any liquid is expelled from the outlet port.

The personal dispenser may be removed from the master dispenser at anytime, and carried manually to locations remote from the masterdispenser. While removed from the master dispenser, the personaldispenser is configured to permit the discharge of liquid containedwithin the receptacle from the outlet port, to provide a supply of theliquid while away from the master dispenser. This may be achieved, forexample, by configuring the receptacle to be manually compressible, sothat the liquid is discharged from the outlet port when the personaldispenser is squeezed. While the personal dispenser is removed from themaster dispenser, the discharge mechanism of the master dispenserremains operable, so that the liquid contained in the reservoir can bedirectly discharged from the dispenser outlet.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a replaceablecartridge for a liquid master dispenser. The replaceable cartridgeprovides a supply of the liquid to be dispensed, and is configured to beinstalled in the master dispenser to dispense the liquid therefrom. Thecartridge can be removed from the master dispenser and replaced asrequired. The cartridge includes a reservoir having a reservoir outlet,and a personal dispenser removably coupled to the reservoir outlet. Thepersonal dispenser has a receptacle for containing liquid dischargedfrom the reservoir outlet, and an inlet port for receiving the liquiddischarged from the reservoir outlet. An outlet port of the personaldispenser is provided for discharging the liquid from the receptacle.

Preferably, the replaceable cartridge includes a pump assembly disposedacross the reservoir outlet that is configured to discharge the liquidfrom the reservoir upon application of a mechanical force. Themechanical force may be provided, for example, by an actuator carried bya housing of the master dispenser.

Preferably in some embodiments, the personal dispenser is configured toaccumulate the liquid received from the reservoir until a preselectedvolume of the liquid is contained therein, at which point the receipt offurther liquid from the reservoir causes discharge of the liquid fromthe outlet port. The personal dispenser is furthermore removable fromthe reservoir, and may be carried to locations remote from the masterdispenser to selectively discharge the liquid contained therein.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a refillable personaldispenser for dispensing liquid. The personal dispenser includes areceptacle for containing the liquid, and a coupling mechanism forreleasably coupling the personal dispenser to a master dispenser. Thepersonal dispenser also includes an inlet port for receiving liquiddischarged from the master dispenser while the personal dispenser iscoupled thereto, and an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from thereceptacle. The inlet port preferably incorporates a one-way inlet valvethat permits fluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, andprevents fluid from exiting the receptacle through the inlet port. Theoutlet port likewise preferably incorporates a one-way outlet valve thatpermits fluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port, andprevents fluid from entering the receptacle through the outlet port.

The personal dispenser is preferably configured to accumulate the liquidreceived from the reservoir until a preselected volume is reached, afterwhich the liquid is discharged from the outlet port when further liquidis received from the reservoir. The personal dispenser is alsoconfigured to permit the selective discharge of the liquid contained inthe receptacle while uncoupled from the reservoir.

In one embodiment of the invention, a liquid master dispenser isprovided that incorporates a reservoir, a dispenser outlet, and adischarge mechanism similar to those described above, and which furtherincludes a separate refill outlet configured to couple with a personaldispenser and deliver liquid from the reservoir to the personaldispenser upon activation of a separate filling mechanism.

Preferably, the liquid dispenser incorporates a usage monitoring systemwhich records the amount of liquid that has been dispensed from both thedispenser outlet and the refill outlet. This ensures that the usagemonitoring system takes into account the liquid that is used to fill thepersonal dispenser, and not just the liquid that is directly dispensedfrom the dispenser outlet. As such, the usage monitoring system is ableto create a more complete record of liquid usage, which may for examplebe particularly useful in monitoring hand cleaning compliance in ahealth care setting.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in a liquidmaster dispenser, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated; and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the dispenser outlet, thepersonal dispenser comprising a receptacle for containing the liquid andan outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein:

(a) while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, theliquid discharged from the dispenser outlet accumulates in thereceptacle until the receptacle contains a preselected volume of theliquid, and once the receptacle contains the preselected volume of theliquid, the discharge of further said liquid from the dispenser outletcauses the liquid contained in the receptacle to be discharged from theoutlet port; and

(b) while the personal dispenser is removed from the dispenser outlet:

(i) the personal dispenser is configured to be carried manually tolocations remote from the master dispenser for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port; and

(ii) the discharge mechanism is operable to discharge the liquidcontained in the reservoir from the dispenser outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention resides in a replaceablecartridge for a liquid master dispenser, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed, the reservoir havinga reservoir outlet for selective discharge of the liquid from thereservoir; and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the reservoir outlet, thepersonal dispenser comprising:

a receptacle for containing the liquid discharged from the reservoiroutlet;

an inlet port for receiving the liquid discharged from the reservoiroutlet and communicating the liquid to the receptacle; and

an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein the reservoir outlet is configured to permit the selectivedischarge of the liquid from the reservoir while the personal dispenseris removed from the reservoir outlet;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the reservoir outlet, the liquid discharged fromthe reservoir outlet accumulates in the receptacle until the receptaclecontains a preselected volume of the liquid, and once the receptaclecontains the preselected volume of the liquid, the discharge of furthersaid liquid from the reservoir outlet causes the liquid contained in thereceptacle to be discharged from the outlet port; and

wherein the personal dispenser is configured for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port, after thepersonal dispenser is removed from the reservoir outlet.

In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a refillablepersonal dispenser for dispensing liquid, comprising:

a receptacle for containing the liquid;

a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling to a reservoir;

an inlet port for receiving the liquid from the reservoir andcommunicating the liquid to the receptacle; and

an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein the outlet port is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the reservoir, the liquid received by the inletport accumulates in the receptacle until the receptacle contains apreselected volume of the liquid; and once the receptacle contains thepreselected volume of the liquid, the outlet port is configured todischarge the liquid contained in the receptacle upon receipt of furthersaid liquid by the inlet port;

wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inlet valve that permitsfluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, and prevents fluidfrom exiting the receptacle through the inlet port; and

wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

In a still further aspect, the present invention resides in a liquiddispenser, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated;

a refill outlet configured to couple with a personal dispenser anddeliver the liquid from the reservoir to the personal dispenser; and

a filling mechanism operable to deliver the liquid from the refilloutlet when activated.

In yet another aspect, the present invention resides in a hand cleaningliquid master dispenser, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thereservoir when activated; and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the master dispenser, thepersonal dispenser comprising a receptacle for containing the liquid andan outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein:

(a) while the personal dispenser is coupled to the master dispenser, thedischarge mechanism discharges the liquid from the reservoir into thereceptacle and the liquid discharged accumulates in the receptacle untilthe receptacle contains a preselected volume of the liquid, and whilethe receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid, thedischarge mechanism discharges the liquid from a dispenser outlet; and

(b) while the personal dispenser is removed from the master dispenser:

(i) the personal dispenser is configured to be carried manually tolocations remote from the master dispenser for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port; and

(ii) the discharge mechanism is operable to discharge the liquidcontained in the reservoir from the dispenser outlet.

Further aspects of the invention include:

1. A liquid dispenser, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir; and

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated;

characterized in that the liquid dispenser further comprises a removablepersonal dispenser, wherein the liquid dispenser is configured todeliver the liquid from the reservoir to the personal dispenser.

2. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of 1,characterized in that the liquid dispenser further comprises a usagemonitoring system configured to generate information indicative of anamount of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispenser, wherein saidamount includes the liquid dispensed from the dispenser outlet and theliquid delivered to the personal dispenser.

3. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 2, characterized in that the personal dispenser is removablycoupled to the dispenser outlet.

4. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 3, characterized in that the personal dispenser comprises areceptacle for containing the liquid and an outlet port for discharge ofthe liquid from the receptacle;

wherein:

(a) while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, theliquid discharged from the dispenser outlet accumulates in thereceptacle until the receptacle contains a preselected volume of theliquid, and once the receptacle contains the preselected volume of theliquid, the discharge of further said liquid from the dispenser outletcauses the liquid contained in the receptacle to be discharged from theoutlet port; and

(b) while the personal dispenser is removed from the dispenser outlet:

(i) the personal dispenser is configured to be carried manually tolocations remote from the dispenser outlet for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port; and

(ii) the discharge mechanism is operable to discharge the liquidcontained in the reservoir from the dispenser outlet.

5. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 4, characterized in that the personal dispenser includes aninlet port for receiving the liquid discharged from the dispenser outletand communicating the liquid to the receptacle; the personal dispensercoupled to the dispenser outlet with the dispenser outlet engaged withthe inlet port;

wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inlet valve that permitsfluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, and prevents fluidfrom exiting the receptacle through the inlet port;

wherein the outlet port comprises a one-way outlet valve that permitsfluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port, and prevents fluidfrom entering the receptacle through the outlet port; and

wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

6. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 5, characterized in that the discharge mechanism is configuredto permit the liquid to be drawn from the reservoir out the dispenseroutlet through application of a vacuum pressure to the dispenser outlet;

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanismoperable, while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenseroutlet, to create the vacuum pressure to draw the liquid from thereservoir, out the dispenser outlet, and into the receptacle;

wherein the dispensing mechanism is manually operative to create thevacuum pressure;

wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet,the dispenser outlet sealingly engages with the inlet port, placing thedispenser outlet in communication with the receptacle; and

wherein the discharge mechanism requires electrical power for operation,and while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, ifthe electrical power required for operation of the discharge mechanismis not available, operation of the dispensing mechanism draws the liquidfrom the reservoir, out the dispenser outlet, into the receptacle, andwhen the receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid, outthe outlet port.

7. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 6, characterized in that the receptacle comprises:

an internal chamber having an open end for receiving and expelling theliquid therefrom; and

a manually compressible diaphragm defining one side of the internalchamber;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that compression of thediaphragm effects the discharge of the liquid from the outlet port;

wherein the internal chamber is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the open end is positionedat a designated height above the diaphragm, the designated heightcorresponding to a level of the liquid within the receptacle when thereceptacle contains a designated volume of the liquid, so that theliquid only enters the internal chamber once the receptacle contains thedesignated volume of the liquid;

wherein the diaphragm is at least partially transparent and is visibleto a user to provide a visual indication of whether the internal chambercontains the liquid; and

wherein the receptacle further comprises a baffle interposed between theinlet port and the outlet port, for directing the liquid received by theinlet port toward the internal chamber.

8. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 7, characterized in that the outlet port comprises an opening influid communication with the receptacle;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the opening is positionedat a preselected height relative to the receptacle, the preselectedheight corresponding to a level of the liquid within the receptacle whenthe receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid;

wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet,while the level of the liquid within the receptacle is below thepreselected height, the liquid discharged into the receptacle from thedispenser outlet displaces air in the receptacle out the outlet port;

wherein the outlet port comprises a tubular member disposed within thereceptacle;

wherein the opening is an inlet opening of the tubular member, and thetubular member extends from the inlet opening to a discharge opening;and

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the discharge opening ispositioned below the preselected height.

9. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 8, characterized in that the discharge mechanism comprises apump assembly configured to discharge the liquid from the reservoir uponapplication of a mechanical force;

wherein the reservoir, the dispenser outlet, the pump assembly, and thepersonal dispenser together form a replaceable cartridge;

the liquid dispenser further comprising a housing configured to supportthe replaceable cartridge, the housing carrying an actuator configuredto selectively apply the mechanical force to the pump assembly;

wherein the replaceable cartridge is removable from the housing;

wherein the dispenser outlet comprises an outlet tube configured to bereceived within the inlet port of the personal dispenser, the inlet portremovably sealably receiving the outlet tube.

10. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 9, characterized in that the liquid dispenser further comprises:

a sensor configured to detect if the personal dispenser is coupled tothe dispenser outlet;

a sensor configured to detect if the receptacle contains the preselectedvolume of the liquid; and

a control system that receives information from the sensors and controlsthe discharge mechanism;

wherein the control system is configured to, upon detecting that thepersonal dispenser has been coupled to the dispenser outlet, activatethe discharge mechanism to discharge the liquid to fill the receptaclewhen detecting that the receptacle does not contain the preselectedvolume of the liquid, and to end the activation of the dischargemechanism to fill the receptacle upon detecting that the receptaclecontains the preselected volume of the liquid.

11. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 10, characterized in that the reservoir has a cavity sized forremovably receiving the personal dispenser;

wherein, prior to assembly of the liquid dispenser, the personaldispenser is held within the cavity of the reservoir in an initialbundled configuration;

the liquid dispenser further comprising a label that is secured to aface of the reservoir and a face of the personal dispenser while in theinitial bundled configuration;

wherein the label is configured to be severed upon removal of thepersonal dispenser from the cavity, so as to leave a first portion ofthe label secured to the face of the reservoir and a second portion ofthe label secured to the face of the personal dispenser.

12. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 11, characterized in that the liquid dispenser further comprisesa mounting dock for removably engaging a housing of the personaldispenser for mounting of the personal dispenser;

wherein the mounting dock is positioned so that the personal dispenseris coupled to the dispenser outlet when the housing of the personaldispenser is mounted to the mounting dock.

13. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 12, characterized in that the inlet port comprises a one-wayinlet valve that permits fluid to enter the receptacle through the inletport, and prevents fluid from exiting the receptacle through the inletport;

wherein the outlet port comprises a one-way outlet valve that permitsfluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port, and prevents fluidfrom entering the receptacle through the outlet port;

wherein the receptacle comprises a collapsible bag that is configured toexpand, up to a maximum volume, to accommodate the liquid received bythe inlet port;

wherein, once the bag reaches the maximum volume, receipt of furtherliquid from the inlet port causes pressure within the bag to increase upto a threshold pressure;

wherein the one-way outlet valve is configured to discharge the liquidfrom the outlet port when the threshold pressure is reached; and

wherein the personal dispenser further comprises a plunger that isoperable to exert a compressive force on the bag, to increase thepressure within the bag up to the threshold pressure and therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

14. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 13, characterized in that the personal dispenser is configuredso that the liquid is contained in the receptacle without coming intocontact with atmospheric air;

wherein the plunger comprises a manually operable push button;

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a housing defining an internalcavity that extends longitudinally from a first end of the housing to asecond end of the housing, the housing having a rack of teeth arrangedlongitudinally on an internal surface thereof;

wherein the plunger comprises a flexible pawl arranged within theinternal cavity, the flexible pawl having a foot that, when in anunbiased state, engages with the teeth;

wherein the bag is arranged within the internal cavity, between theflexible pawl and the first end of the housing;

wherein the foot and the teeth are angled so that:

(i) the foot slides freely along the rack when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing; and

(ii) when the foot is in the unbiased state, the engagement of the footwith the teeth prevents the plunger from being moved longitudinallytoward the second end of the housing;

the liquid dispenser further comprising a mounting dock for removablymounting the personal dispenser, the mounting dock being positioned sothat the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet when thepersonal dispenser is mounted to the mounting dock;

wherein the mounting dock comprises a protruding rib, and the housing ofthe personal dispenser has a slot that is sized to receive theprotruding rib when the personal dispenser is mounted to the mountingdock;

wherein the protruding rib is configured to engage with the foot whenreceived by the slot, so as to bend the foot away from, and out ofengagement with, the rack;

wherein the foot slides freely along the rib when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing and toward the secondend of the housing; and

wherein the foot is configured to return to the unbiased state uponremoval of the rib from the slot.

15. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 14, wherein the liquid comprises a hand cleaning liquid, and thehand cleaning liquid comprises a hand soap or a hand sanitizer.

16. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 15, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated; and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the dispenser outlet, thepersonal dispenser comprising a receptacle for containing the liquid andan outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein:

(a) while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, theliquid discharged from the dispenser outlet accumulates in thereceptacle until the receptacle contains a preselected volume of theliquid, and once the receptacle contains the preselected volume of theliquid, the discharge of further said liquid from the dispenser outletcauses the liquid contained in the receptacle to be discharged from theoutlet port; and

(b) while the personal dispenser is removed from the dispenser outlet:

(i) the personal dispenser is configured to be carried manually tolocations remote from the dispenser outlet for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port; and

(ii) the discharge mechanism is operable to discharge the liquidcontained in the reservoir from the dispenser outlet.

17. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 16, further comprising a usage monitoring systemconfigured to generate information indicative of an amount of the liquiddispensed from the liquid dispenser.

18. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 17, wherein the usage monitoring system comprises atleast one of:

a sensor configured to detect a volume or a mass of the liquid containedin the reservoir;

a sensor configured to detect a volume or a mass of the liquid containedin the receptacle;

a sensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through the dispenseroutlet;

a sensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through the outletport;

a sensor configured to detect the activation of the discharge mechanism;and

a sensor configured to detect activation of a dispensing mechanism ofthe personal dispenser.

19. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 18, wherein the personal dispenser includes an inlet portfor receiving the liquid discharged from the dispenser outlet andcommunicating the liquid to the receptacle; the personal dispensercoupled to the dispenser outlet with the dispenser outlet engaged withthe inlet port;

wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inlet valve that permitsfluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, and prevents fluidfrom exiting the receptacle through the inlet port;

wherein the outlet port comprises a one-way outlet valve that permitsfluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port, and prevents fluidfrom entering the receptacle through the outlet port; and

wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

20. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 19, wherein the discharge mechanism is configured topermit the liquid to be drawn from the reservoir out the dispenseroutlet through application of a vacuum pressure to the dispenser outlet;

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanismoperable, while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenseroutlet, to create the vacuum pressure to draw the liquid from thereservoir, out the dispenser outlet, and into the receptacle;

wherein the dispensing mechanism is manually operative to create thevacuum pressure;

wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet,the dispenser outlet sealingly engages with the inlet port, placing thedispenser outlet in communication with the receptacle; and

wherein the discharge mechanism requires electrical power for operation,and while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, ifthe electrical power required for operation of the discharge mechanismis not available, operation of the dispensing mechanism draws the liquidfrom the reservoir, out the dispenser outlet, into the receptacle, andwhen the receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid, outthe outlet port.

21. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 20, wherein the receptacle comprises:

an internal chamber having an open end for receiving and expelling theliquid therefrom; and

a manually compressible diaphragm defining one side of the internalchamber;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that compression of thediaphragm effects the discharge of the liquid from the outlet port;

wherein the internal chamber is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the open end is positionedat a designated height above the diaphragm, the designated heightcorresponding to a level of the liquid within the receptacle when thereceptacle contains a designated volume of the liquid, so that theliquid only enters the internal chamber once the receptacle contains thedesignated volume of the liquid;

wherein the diaphragm is at least partially transparent and is visibleto a user to provide a visual indication of whether the internal chambercontains the liquid; and

wherein the receptacle further comprises a baffle interposed between theinlet port and the outlet port, for directing the liquid received by theinlet port toward the internal chamber.

22. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 21, wherein the outlet port comprises an opening in fluidcommunication with the receptacle;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the opening is positionedat a preselected height relative to the receptacle, the preselectedheight corresponding to a level of the liquid within the receptacle whenthe receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid;

wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet,while the level of the liquid within the receptacle is below thepreselected height, the liquid discharged into the receptacle from thedispenser outlet displaces air in the receptacle out the outlet port;

wherein the outlet port comprises a tubular member disposed within thereceptacle;

wherein the opening is an inlet opening of the tubular member, and thetubular member extends from the inlet opening to a discharge opening;and

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the discharge opening ispositioned below the preselected height.

23. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 22, wherein the discharge mechanism comprises a pumpassembly configured to discharge the liquid from the reservoir uponapplication of a mechanical force;

wherein the reservoir, the dispenser outlet, the pump assembly, and thepersonal dispenser together form a replaceable cartridge;

the liquid dispenser further comprising a housing configured to supportthe replaceable cartridge, the housing carrying an actuator configuredto selectively apply the mechanical force to the pump assembly;

wherein the replaceable cartridge is removable from the housing;

wherein the dispenser outlet comprises an outlet tube configured to bereceived in removable sealed engagement within the inlet port of thepersonal dispenser resisting removal.

24. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 23, further comprising:

a sensor configured to detect if the personal dispenser is coupled tothe dispenser outlet;

a sensor configured to detect if the receptacle contains the preselectedvolume of the liquid; and

a control system that receives information from the sensors and controlsthe discharge mechanism;

wherein the control system is configured to, upon detecting that thepersonal dispenser has been coupled to the dispenser outlet, activatethe discharge mechanism to discharge the liquid to fill the receptaclewhen detecting that the receptacle does not contain the preselectedvolume of the liquid, and to end the activation of the dischargemechanism to fill the receptacle upon detecting that the receptaclecontains the preselected volume of the liquid.

25. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 24, wherein the reservoir has a cavity sized forremovably receiving the personal dispenser;

wherein, prior to assembly of the liquid master dispenser, the personaldispenser is held within the cavity of the reservoir in an initialbundled configuration;

the liquid master dispenser further comprising a label that is securedto a face of the reservoir and a face of the personal dispenser while inthe initial bundled configuration;

wherein the label is configured to be severed upon removal of thepersonal dispenser from the cavity, so as to leave a first portion ofthe label secured to the face of the reservoir and a second portion ofthe label secured to the face of the personal dispenser.

26. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 25, further comprising a mounting dock for removablyengaging a housing of the personal dispenser;

wherein the mounting dock is positioned so that the personal dispenseris coupled to the dispenser outlet when the housing of the personaldispenser is mounted to the mounting dock.

27. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 26, wherein the receptacle comprises a collapsible bagthat is configured to expand, up to a maximum volume, to accommodate theliquid received by the inlet port;

wherein, once the bag reaches the maximum volume, receipt of furtherliquid from the inlet port causes pressure within the bag to increase upto a threshold pressure;

wherein the one-way outlet valve is configured to discharge the liquidfrom the outlet port when the threshold pressure is reached; and

wherein the personal dispenser further comprises a plunger that isoperable to exert a compressive force on the bag, to increase thepressure within the bag up to the threshold pressure and therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

28. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 27, wherein the personal dispenser is configured so thatthe liquid is contained in the receptacle without coming into contactwith atmospheric air;

wherein the plunger comprises a manually operable push button;

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a housing defining an internalcavity that extends longitudinally from a first end of the housing to asecond end of the housing, the housing having a rack of teeth arrangedlongitudinally on an internal surface thereof;

wherein the plunger comprises a flexible pawl arranged within theinternal cavity, the flexible pawl having a foot that, when in anunbiased state, engages with the teeth;

wherein the bag is arranged within the internal cavity, between theflexible pawl and the first end of the housing;

wherein the foot and the teeth are angled so that:

(i) the foot slides freely along the rack when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing; and

(ii) when the foot is in the unbiased state, the engagement of the footwith the teeth prevents the plunger from being moved longitudinallytoward the second end of the housing;

the liquid dispenser further comprising a mounting dock for removablymounting the personal dispenser, the mounting dock being positioned sothat the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet when thepersonal dispenser is mounted to the mounting dock;

wherein the mounting dock comprises a protruding rib, and the housing ofthe personal dispenser has a slot that is sized to receive theprotruding rib when the personal dispenser is mounted to the mountingdock;

wherein the protruding rib is configured to engage with the foot whenreceived by the slot, so as to bend the foot away from, and out ofengagement with, the rack;

wherein the foot slides freely along the rib when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing and toward the secondend of the housing; and

wherein the foot is configured to return to the unbiased state uponremoval of the rib from the slot.

29. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 28, wherein the liquid comprises a hand soap or a handsanitizer.

30. A refillable personal dispenser for dispensing hand cleaning liquid,optionally including one or more features of any of 1 to 29, comprising:

a receptacle for containing the liquid;

a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling to a reservoir;

an inlet port for receiving the liquid from the reservoir andcommunicating the liquid to the receptacle; and

an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein the outlet port is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the reservoir, the liquid received by the inletport accumulates in the receptacle until the receptacle contains apreselected volume of the liquid; and once the receptacle contains thepreselected volume of the liquid, the outlet port is configured todischarge the liquid contained in the receptacle upon receipt of furthersaid liquid by the inlet port;

wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inlet valve that permitsfluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, and prevents fluidfrom exiting the receptacle through the inlet port; and

wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

31. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 30, wherein the personal dispenser is configuredso that the liquid is contained in the receptacle without coming intocontact with atmospheric air.

32. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 31, wherein the outlet port comprises a one-wayoutlet valve that permits fluid to exit the receptacle through theoutlet port, and prevents fluid from entering the receptacle through theoutlet port; and

wherein the receptacle comprises a collapsible bag that is configured toexpand, up to a maximum volume, to accommodate the liquid received bythe inlet port;

wherein, once the bag reaches the maximum volume, receipt of furtherliquid from the inlet port causes pressure within the bag to increase upto a threshold pressure;

wherein the one-way outlet valve is configured to discharge the liquidfrom the outlet port when the threshold pressure is reached; and

wherein the personal dispenser further comprises a plunger that isoperable to exert a compressive force on the bag, to increase thepressure within the bag up to the threshold pressure and therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

33. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 32, wherein the plunger comprises a manuallyoperable push button;

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a housing defining an internalcavity that extends longitudinally from a first end of the housing to asecond end of the housing, the housing having a rack of teeth arrangedlongitudinally on an internal surface thereof;

wherein the plunger comprises a flexible pawl arranged within theinternal cavity, the flexible pawl having a foot that, when in anunbiased state, engages with the teeth;

wherein the bag is arranged within the internal cavity, between theflexible pawl and the first end of the housing;

wherein the foot and the teeth are angled so that:

(i) the foot slides freely along the rack when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing; and

(ii) when the foot is in the unbiased state, the engagement of the footwith the teeth prevents the plunger from being moved longitudinallytoward the second end of the housing;

wherein the housing has a slot that is sized to receive a protruding ribwhen the personal dispenser is coupled to the reservoir, so that the ribengages with the foot so as to bend the foot away from, and out ofengagement with, the rack;

wherein the foot slides freely along the rib when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing and toward the secondend of the housing; and

wherein the foot is configured to return to the unbiased state uponremoval of the rib from the slot.

34. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 33, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated; and

a removable personal dispenser, wherein the liquid dispenser isconfigured to deliver the liquid from the reservoir to the personaldispenser.

35. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features of anyof 1 to 34, further comprising a usage monitoring system configured togenerate information indicative of an amount of the liquid dispensedfrom the liquid dispenser, wherein said amount includes the liquiddispensed from the dispenser outlet and the liquid delivered to thepersonal dispenser;

wherein the liquid comprises a hand cleaning liquid.

36. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 35, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated; and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the dispenser outlet, thepersonal dispenser comprising a receptacle for containing the liquid andan outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein:

(a) while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, theliquid discharged from the dispenser outlet accumulates in thereceptacle until the receptacle contains a preselected volume of theliquid, and once the receptacle contains the preselected volume of theliquid, the discharge of further said liquid from the dispenser outletcauses the liquid contained in the receptacle to be discharged from theoutlet port; and

(b) while the personal dispenser is removed from the dispenser outlet:

(i) the personal dispenser is configured to be carried manually tolocations remote from the master dispenser for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port; and

(ii) the discharge mechanism is operable to discharge the liquidcontained in the reservoir from the dispenser outlet.

37. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 36, wherein the personal dispenser includes an inlet portfor receiving the liquid discharged from the dispenser outlet andcommunicating the liquid to the receptacle; the personal dispensercoupled to the master dispenser with the dispenser outlet engaged withthe inlet port.

38. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 37, wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inletvalve that permits fluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port,and prevents fluid from exiting the receptacle through the inlet port.

39. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 38, wherein the outlet port comprises a one-way outletvalve that permits fluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port,and prevents fluid from entering the receptacle through the outlet port.

40. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 39, wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume andis compressible to selectively reduce the internal volume from anuncompressed volume to a compressed volume upon application of acompressing force, to thereby discharge the liquid from the outlet port.

41. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 42, wherein the receptacle is biased toward returning tothe uncompressed volume upon release of the compressing force.

42. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 41, wherein the personal dispenser comprises a one-wayair inlet valve configured to permit air to enter the receptacle as thereceptacle returns to the uncompressed volume while the personaldispenser is removed from the dispenser outlet.

43. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 42, wherein the inlet valve is also the one-way air inletvalve.

44. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 43, wherein the discharge mechanism is configured topermit the liquid to be drawn from the reservoir out the dispenseroutlet through application of a vacuum pressure to the dispenser outlet;and

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanismoperable, while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenseroutlet, to create the vacuum pressure to draw the liquid from thereservoir, out the dispenser outlet, and into the receptacle.

45. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 44, wherein the dispensing mechanism is manuallyoperative to create the vacuum pressure.

46. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 45, wherein the discharge mechanism requires electricalpower for operation, and while the personal dispenser is coupled to thedispenser outlet, if the electrical power required for operation of thedischarge mechanism is not available, operation of the dispensingmechanism draws the liquid from the reservoir, out the dispenser outlet,into the receptacle, and when the receptacle contains the preselectedvolume of the liquid, out the outlet port.

47. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 46, wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled tothe dispenser outlet, the dispenser outlet sealingly engages with theinlet port, placing the dispenser outlet in communication with thereceptacle.

48. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 49, wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled tothe dispenser outlet, a one-way valve outlet valve of the dischargemechanism permits fluid to exit the reservoir through an outlet opening,and prevents fluid from entering the reservoir from the receptacle viathe dispenser outlet and the outlet port.

49. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 48, wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled tothe dispenser outlet, the personal dispenser is configured to draw theliquid from the reservoir into the receptacle via the dispenser outlet,and when the receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid,to discharge the liquid contained in the receptacle from the outletport.

50. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 49, wherein the receptacle comprises a diaphragm pumpthat is manually operable to discharge the liquid from the outlet port,the diaphragm pump comprising:

an internal chamber having an open end for receiving and expelling theliquid therefrom; and

a manually compressible diaphragm defining one side of the internalchamber;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that compression of thediaphragm effects the discharge of the liquid from the outlet port;

wherein the internal chamber is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the open end is positionedat a designated height above the diaphragm, the designated heightcorresponding to a level of the liquid within the receptacle when thereceptacle contains a designated volume of the liquid, so that theliquid only enters the internal chamber once the receptacle contains thedesignated volume of the liquid.

51. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 50, wherein the diaphragm is at least partiallytransparent and is visible to a user to provide a visual indication ofwhether the internal chamber contains the liquid.

52. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 51, wherein the receptacle further comprises a baffleinterposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, for directing theliquid received by the inlet port toward the internal chamber.

53. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 52, wherein the diaphragm is configured so that a maximumvolume of between 1 ml and 5 ml of the liquid is discharged from theoutlet port with each manual compression of the diaphragm.

54. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 53, wherein the preselected volume is between 20 ml and60 ml.

55. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 54, wherein the outlet port is configured to dischargethe liquid contained in the receptacle only when a pressure differentialacross the outlet port exceeds a preselected threshold.

56. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 55, wherein the one-way outlet valve is configured topermit fluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port only when apressure differential across the one-way outlet valve exceeds apreselected threshold.

57. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 56, wherein the preselected threshold is at least 60mbar.

58. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 57, wherein the outlet port comprises an opening in fluidcommunication with the receptacle; and

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the opening is positionedat a preselected height relative to the receptacle, the preselectedheight corresponding to a level of the liquid within the receptacle whenthe receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid.

59. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 58, wherein while the personal dispenser is coupled tothe dispenser outlet, while the level of the liquid within thereceptacle is below the preselected height, the liquid discharged intothe receptacle from the dispenser outlet displaces air in the receptacleout the outlet port.

60. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 59, wherein the outlet port comprises a tubular memberdisposed within the receptacle;

wherein the opening is an inlet opening of the tubular member, and thetubular member extends from the inlet opening to a discharge opening;and

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the discharge opening ispositioned below the preselected height.

61. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 60, wherein the discharge mechanism comprises a pump, anda hollow tubular elongated spout tube extending from an inlet endcoupled to the pump, to an outlet end spaced therefrom; the outlet endof the spout tube comprising the dispenser outlet;

the liquid master dispenser further comprising a mounting dock that isremovably coupled to the elongated spout tube between the inlet end andthe outlet end, the mounting dock for removably mounting the personaldispenser;

wherein the personal dispenser further comprises a docking seatconfigured for engagement with the mounting dock, the inlet port spacedfrom the docking seat;

wherein with engagement of the mounting dock with the docking seat, theoutlet end of the elongated spout tube engages with the personaldispenser within the inlet port.

62. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 61, wherein with the engagement of the mounting dock withthe docking seat is a snap fit arrangement to provide a preselectedresistance against removal of the docking seat from the mounting dock.

63. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 62, wherein the outlet end of the spout tube extendsalong an insertion axis, the outlet end of the elongated spout tubeengages with the inlet port by relative movement parallel the insertionaxis, and the mounting dock engages with the docking seat by relativemovement parallel the insertion axis.

64. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 63, wherein the discharge mechanism comprises a pump, andthe dispenser outlet comprises a hollow tubular elongated spout tubeextending from an inlet end coupled to the pump, to an outlet end spacedtherefrom;

wherein the elongated spout tube is configured so that the outlet end isangled below horizontal when the liquid dispenser is in an operativeposition for operation;

the liquid dispenser further comprising a mounting dock that is coupledto the elongated spout tube between the inlet end and the outlet end,the mounting dock defining a generally arcuate track for mounting thepersonal dispenser, the generally arcuate track having a front end thatfaces toward the outlet end of the elongated spout tube, and a back endthat faces away from the outlet end of the elongated spout tube;

wherein the personal dispenser further comprises a generally arcuatedocking seat configured for sliding engagement with the generallyarcuate track, the generally arcuate docking seat having a front endthat faces toward the inlet port of the personal dispenser, and a backend that faces away from the inlet port of the personal dispenser; and

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that the inlet port isspaced from the outlet end of the elongated spout tube while the backend of the generally arcuate docking seat is engaged with the front endof the generally arcuate track; and as the back end of the generallyarcuate docking seat slides along the generally arcuate track toward theback end of the generally arcuate track, the inlet port moves toward theoutlet end of the elongated spout tube; and once the generally arcuatedocking seat is fully engaged with the generally arcuate track, with thefront end of the generally arcuate docking seat engaged with the frontend of the generally arcuate track, and the back end of the generallyarcuate docking seat engaged with the back end of the generally arcuatetrack, the outlet end of the elongated spout tube is received within theinlet port.

65. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 64, wherein the generally arcuate track comprises anelongated dovetail shaped projection that extends from the front end ofthe generally arcuate track to the back end of the generally arcuatetrack; and

wherein the generally arcuate docking seat comprises a pair of dockingrails that extend from the front end of the generally arcuate dockingseat to the back end of the generally arcuate docking seat, and definean elongated dovetail shaped channel therebetween for receiving theelongated dovetail shaped projection.

66. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 65, wherein:

a first of the generally arcuate track and the generally arcuate dockingseat comprises an elongated dovetail shaped projection; and

a second of the generally arcuate track and the generally arcuatedocking seat comprises a pair of docking rails that define an elongateddovetail shaped channel therebetween for receiving the elongateddovetail shaped projection.

67. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 66, wherein the elongated dovetail shaped projection istapered, such that a width of the elongated dovetail shaped projectionat the front end of the generally arcuate track is less than a width ofthe elongated dovetail shaped projection at the back end of thegenerally arcuate track; and

wherein the docking rails are configured to define a corresponding taperin the elongated dovetail shaped channel, such that a width of theelongated dovetail shaped channel at the front end of the generallyarcuate docking seat is less than a width of the elongated dovetailshaped channel at the back end of the generally arcuate docking seat;

wherein the width of the elongated dovetail shaped projection at theback end of the generally arcuate track is greater than the width of theelongated dovetail shaped channel at the front end of the generallyarcuate docking seat; and

wherein the width of the elongated dovetail shaped channel at the backend of the generally arcuate docking seat is greater than the width ofthe elongated dovetail shaped projection at the front end of thegenerally arcuate track.

68. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 67, wherein the width of the elongated dovetail shapedprojection at the front end of the generally arcuate track isapproximately equal to the width of the elongated dovetail shapedchannel at the front end of the generally arcuate docking seat; and

wherein a width of the elongated dovetail shaped projection immediatelyadjacent to the front end of the generally arcuate track is greater thanthe width of the elongated dovetail shaped channel at the front end ofthe generally arcuate docking seat.

69. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 68, wherein each of the docking rails has a flexibleretaining boss provided at the back end of the generally arcuate dockingseat;

wherein the flexible retaining bosses are configured to sit behind theelongated dovetail shaped projection while the generally arcuate dockingseat is fully engaged with the generally arcuate track, to provide apreselected resistance against sliding removal of the generally arcuatedocking seat from the generally arcuate track.

70. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 69, wherein the elongated spout tube comprises a metallictube that extends in a generally horizontal direction from the pump, andcurves downwardly at the outlet end.

71. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 70, wherein the discharge mechanism comprises a pumpassembly configured to discharge the liquid from the reservoir uponapplication of a mechanical force.

72. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 71, wherein the reservoir, the dispenser outlet, the pumpassembly, and the personal dispenser together form a replaceablecartridge.

73. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 72, further comprising a housing configured to supportthe replaceable cartridge, the housing carrying an actuator configuredto selectively apply the mechanical force to the pump assembly;

wherein the replaceable cartridge is removable from the housing.

74. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 73, wherein the dispenser outlet comprises an outlet tubeconfigured to be received within the inlet port of the personaldispenser, the outlet tube extending along an insertion axis and havinga coaxial annular groove on an external surface thereof;

wherein the inlet port comprises a coupling channel for receiving theoutlet tube, the coupling channel extending along a coupling axis andhaving a coaxial O-ring disposed therein;

wherein the O-ring is configured to engage with the annular groove whilethe outlet tube is received within the coupling channel, to provide apreselected resistance against removal of the outlet tube from thecoupling channel.

75. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 74, wherein the liquid comprises a hand soap or a handsanitizer.

76. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 75, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain 500 mlto 2000 ml of the liquid, and the receptacle is configured to contain 20ml to 60 ml of the liquid.

77. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 76, wherein the personal dispenser further comprises apressure relief valve configured so that, while the personal dispenseris coupled to the dispenser outlet, the pressure relief valve releasesair from the receptacle that is displaced by the liquid received fromthe dispenser outlet.

78. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 77, further comprising a usage monitoring systemconfigured to generate information indicative of an amount of the liquiddispensed from the liquid dispenser.

79. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 78, further comprising a communication system configuredto transmit the information to a usage tracking device.

80. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 79, further comprising:

a sensor configured to detect if the personal dispenser is coupled tothe dispenser outlet; and

a sensor configured to detect if the receptacle contains the preselectedvolume of the liquid.

81. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 80, further comprising a control system that receivesinformation from the sensors and controls the discharge mechanism;

wherein the control system is configured to, upon detecting that thepersonal dispenser has been coupled to the dispenser outlet, activatethe discharge mechanism to discharge the liquid to fill the receptaclewhen detecting that the receptacle does not contain the preselectedvolume of the liquid, and to end the activation of the dischargemechanism to fill the receptacle upon detecting that the receptaclecontains the preselected volume of the liquid.

82. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 81, further comprising a manual activation mechanism formanual activation of the discharge mechanism.

83. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 82, further comprising an electronic activation devicefor activation of the discharge mechanism upon receiving an activationinstruction from a user.

84. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 83, wherein the electronic activation device is selectedfrom the group consisting of a button, a touchscreen, a wirelesscommunication device, a microphone, a motion sensor, a radar sensor, alight sensor, an infrared sensor, and a camera.

85. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 84, wherein the electronic activation device senses thepresence of a user's hand underneath the outlet port while the personaldispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, and underneath thedispenser outlet while the personal dispenser is removed from thedispenser outlet.

86. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 85, further comprising an electronic activation devicefor activation of the discharge mechanism upon sensing the presence of auser's hand underneath the outlet port while the personal dispenser iscoupled to the dispenser outlet, and underneath the dispenser outletwhile the personal dispenser is removed from the dispenser outlet.

87. A replaceable cartridge for a liquid master dispenser, optionallyincluding one or more features of any of 1 to 86, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed, the reservoir havinga reservoir outlet for selective discharge of the liquid from thereservoir; and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the reservoir outlet, thepersonal dispenser comprising:

a receptacle for containing the liquid discharged from the reservoiroutlet;

an inlet port for receiving the liquid discharged from the reservoiroutlet and communicating the liquid to the receptacle; and

an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein the reservoir outlet is configured to permit the selectivedischarge of the liquid from the reservoir while the personal dispenseris removed from the reservoir outlet;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the reservoir outlet, the liquid discharged fromthe reservoir outlet accumulates in the receptacle until the receptaclecontains a preselected volume of the liquid, and once the receptaclecontains the preselected volume of the liquid, the discharge of furthersaid liquid from the reservoir outlet causes the liquid contained in thereceptacle to be discharged from the outlet port; and

wherein the personal dispenser is configured for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port, after thepersonal dispenser is removed from the reservoir outlet.

88. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 87, further comprising a pump assembly disposed acrossthe reservoir outlet, the pump assembly configured to discharge theliquid from the reservoir upon application of a mechanical force.

89. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 88, wherein the pump assembly comprises an outlet tubeconfigured to be received within the inlet port of the personaldispenser, the outlet tube extending along an insertion axis and havinga coaxial annular groove on an external surface thereof;

wherein the inlet port comprises a coupling channel for receiving theoutlet tube, the coupling channel extending along a coupling axis andhaving a coaxial O-ring disposed therein;

wherein the O-ring is configured to engage with the annular groove whilethe outlet tube is received within the coupling channel, to provide apreselected resistance against removal of the outlet tube from thecoupling channel.

90. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 89, wherein the pump assembly comprises an outlet tubeconfigured to be received within the inlet port of the personaldispenser, the outlet tube extending along an insertion axis;

wherein the inlet port comprises a coupling channel for receiving theoutlet tube, the coupling channel extending along a coupling axis;

wherein the outlet tube and the inlet port are removably coupled in asnap with a preselected resistance against removal of the outlet tubefrom the inlet port.

91. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 90, wherein the liquid comprises a hand cleaner.

92. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 91, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain 250 mlto 5000 ml of the liquid; and

wherein the preselected volume is between 10 ml and 80 ml.

93. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 92, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain 500 mlto 2000 ml of the liquid.

94. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 93, wherein the personal dispenser further comprises apressure relief valve configured so that, while the personal dispenseris coupled to the reservoir outlet, the pressure relief valve releasesair from the receptacle that is displaced by the liquid received fromthe reservoir outlet.

95. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 94, wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inletvalve that permits fluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port,and prevents fluid from exiting the receptacle through the inlet port;and

wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

96. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 95, wherein the receptacle is biased toward returning tothe uncompressed volume upon release of the compressing force;

wherein the outlet port comprises a one-way outlet valve that permitsfluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port, and prevents fluidfrom entering the receptacle through the outlet port; and

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a one-way air inlet valveconfigured to permit air to enter the receptacle as the receptaclereturns to the uncompressed volume, while the personal dispenser isremoved from the reservoir outlet.

97. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 96, wherein the inlet valve is also the one-way air inletvalve.

98. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 97, wherein the outlet port is configured to dischargethe liquid contained in the receptacle only when a pressure differentialacross the outlet port exceeds a preselected threshold.

99. A refillable personal dispenser for dispensing liquid, optionallyincluding one or more features of any of 1 to 98, comprising:

a receptacle for containing the liquid;

a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling to a reservoir;

an inlet port for receiving the liquid from the reservoir andcommunicating the liquid to the receptacle; and

an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein the outlet port is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the reservoir, the liquid received by the inletport accumulates in the receptacle until the receptacle contains apreselected volume of the liquid; and once the receptacle contains thepreselected volume of the liquid, the outlet port is configured todischarge the liquid contained in the receptacle upon receipt of furthersaid liquid by the inlet port;

wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inlet valve that permitsfluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, and prevents fluidfrom exiting the receptacle through the inlet port; and

wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

100. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 99, wherein the receptacle is biased towardreturning to the uncompressed volume upon release of the compressingforce;

wherein the outlet port comprises a one-way outlet valve that permitsfluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port, and prevents fluidfrom entering the receptacle through the outlet port; and

wherein the personal dispenser comprises a one-way air inlet valveconfigured to permit air to enter the receptacle as the receptaclereturns to the uncompressed volume, while the personal dispenser isremoved from the reservoir.

101. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 100, wherein the inlet valve is also the one-wayair inlet valve.

102. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 101, wherein the receptacle comprises adiaphragm pump that is manually operable to discharge the liquid fromthe outlet port, the diaphragm pump comprising:

an internal chamber having an open end for receiving and expelling theliquid therefrom; and

a manually compressible diaphragm defining one side of the internalchamber;

wherein compression of the diaphragm effects the discharge of the liquidfrom the outlet port;

wherein the internal chamber is configured so that, while the personaldispenser is coupled to the reservoir, the open end is positioned at adesignated height above the diaphragm, the designated heightcorresponding to a level of the liquid within the receptacle when thereceptacle contains a designated volume of the liquid, so that theliquid only enters the internal chamber once the receptacle contains thedesignated volume of the liquid; and

wherein the diaphragm is at least partially transparent.

103. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 102, wherein the receptacle further comprises abaffle interposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, fordirecting the liquid received by the inlet port toward the internalchamber.

104. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 103, wherein the diaphragm is configured so thata maximum volume of between 1 ml and 5 ml of the liquid is dischargedfrom the outlet port with each manual compression of the diaphragm.

105. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 104, wherein the preselected volume is between20 ml and 25 ml.

106. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 105, wherein the outlet port is configured todischarge the liquid contained in the receptacle only when a pressuredifferential across the outlet port exceeds a preselected threshold.

107. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 106, wherein the preselected threshold is atleast 60 mbar.

108. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 107, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises agenerally arcuate docking seat configured for sliding engagement with agenerally arcuate track of the reservoir, the generally arcuate dockingseat having a front end that faces toward the inlet port, and a back endthat faces away from the inlet port.

109. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 108, wherein the generally arcuate docking seatcomprises a pair of docking rails that extend from the front end of thegenerally arcuate docking seat to the back end of the generally arcuatedocking seat, and define an elongated dovetail shaped channeltherebetween.

110. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 109, wherein the docking rails are configured todefine a taper in the elongated dovetail shaped channel, such that awidth of the elongated dovetail shaped channel at the front end of thegenerally arcuate docking seat is less than a width of the elongateddovetail shaped channel at the back end of the generally arcuate dockingseat.

111. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 110, wherein each of the docking rails has aflexible retaining boss provided at the back end of the generallyarcuate docking seat;

wherein the flexible retaining bosses provide a preselected resistanceagainst sliding removal of the generally arcuate docking seat from thegenerally arcuate track.

112. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 111, wherein the liquid comprises a hand soap ora hand sanitizer.

113. A refillable personal dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 112, further comprising a pressure relief valveconfigured so that, while the personal dispenser is coupled to thereservoir, the pressure relief valve releases air from the receptaclethat is displaced by the liquid received by the inlet port.

114. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 113, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated;

a refill outlet configured to couple with a personal dispenser anddeliver the liquid from the reservoir to the personal dispenser; and

a filling mechanism operable to deliver the liquid from the refilloutlet when activated.

115. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 114, further comprising a usage monitoring system configuredto generate information indicative of an amount of the liquid dispensedfrom the liquid dispenser, wherein said amount includes both the liquiddispensed from the dispenser outlet and the liquid delivered to thepersonal dispenser from the refill outlet.

116. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 115, wherein the usage monitoring system comprises at leastone of:

a sensor configured to detect a volume or a mass of the liquid containedin the reservoir;

a sensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through the dispenseroutlet;

a sensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through the refilloutlet;

a sensor configured to detect the activation of the discharge mechanism;and

a sensor configured to detect the activation of the filling mechanism.

117. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 116, further comprising a communication system configured totransmit the information to a usage tracking device.

118. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 117, further comprising a three-way valve for directing theliquid from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet or the refill outlet,wherein the three-way valve is configured to:

permit the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the refill outlet, andprevent the liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the dispenseroutlet, when the personal dispenser is coupled to the refill outlet andcontains less than a preselected volume of the liquid;

permit the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet,and prevent the liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the refilloutlet, when the personal dispenser is coupled to the refill outlet andcontains the preselected volume of the liquid; and

permit the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet,and prevent the liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the refilloutlet, when the personal dispenser is uncoupled from the refill outlet.

119. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 118, further comprising a conduit for conveying the liquidfrom the reservoir to the dispenser outlet or the refill outlet, theconduit having a conduit inlet in fluid communication with the reservoirand a conduit outlet;

wherein the dispenser outlet and the refill outlet are rotatably mountedrelative to the conduit outlet for selectively alternating between adispensing condition, wherein the dispenser outlet is aligned with andin fluid communication with the conduit outlet, and a refill condition,wherein the refill outlet is aligned with and in fluid communicationwith the conduit outlet.

120. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 119, further comprising:

a sensor configured to detect if the personal dispenser is coupled tothe refill outlet; and

a sensor configured to detect if the personal dispenser is full.

121. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 120, wherein the filling mechanism is configured toautomatically deliver the liquid from the refill outlet to the personaldispenser, when the personal dispenser is coupled to the refill outlet;and

wherein the filling mechanism is configured to automatically stopdelivery of the liquid from the refill outlet to the personal dispenser,when the personal dispenser is full.

122. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 121, further comprising at least one further refill outletconfigured to couple with at least one further personal dispenser anddeliver the liquid from the reservoir to the at least one furtherpersonal dispenser.

123. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 122, wherein the liquid comprises a hand soap or a handsanitizer.

124. A hand cleaning liquid master dispenser, optionally including oneor more features of any of 1 to 123, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thereservoir when activated; and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the master dispenser, thepersonal dispenser comprising a receptacle for containing the liquid andan outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein:

(a) while the personal dispenser is coupled to the master dispenser, thedischarge mechanism discharges the liquid from the reservoir into thereceptacle and the liquid discharged accumulates in the receptacle untilthe receptacle contains a preselected volume of the liquid, and whilethe receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid, thedischarge mechanism discharges the liquid from a dispenser outlet; and

(b) while the personal dispenser is removed from the master dispenser:

(i) the personal dispenser is configured to be carried manually tolocations remote from the master dispenser for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port; and

(ii) the discharge mechanism is operable to discharge the liquidcontained in the reservoir from the dispenser outlet.

125. A hand cleaning liquid master dispenser, optionally including oneor more features of any of 1 to 124, wherein:

while the personal dispenser is coupled to the master dispenser, theoutlet port is the dispenser outlet.

126. A hand cleaning liquid master dispenser, optionally including oneor more features of any of 1 to 125, wherein:

the dispenser outlet is separate from the outlet port;

a valve arrangement is provided to selectively deliver the liquid fromthe discharge mechanism: (a) to the receptacle while the personaldispenser is coupled to the master dispenser and the receptacle containsa volume of liquid less than the preselected volume of the liquid; and(b) to the dispenser outlet while the personal dispenser is coupled tothe master dispenser and the receptacle contains at least thepreselected volume of the liquid; and (c) to the dispenser outlet whilethe personal dispenser is removed from the master dispenser.

127. A hand cleaning liquid master dispenser, optionally including oneor more features of any of 1 to 128, further comprising a usagemonitoring system configured to generate information indicative of anamount of the liquid dispensed from the reservoir by the dischargemechanism.

128. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 127, wherein the reservoir has a cavity sizedfor removably receiving the personal dispenser.

129. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 128, wherein, prior to assembly of the liquidmaster dispenser, the personal dispenser is held within the cavity ofthe reservoir in an initial bundled configuration.

130. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 129, further comprising a label that is securedto a face of the reservoir and a face of the personal dispenser while inthe initial bundled configuration;

wherein the label is configured to be severed upon removal of thepersonal dispenser from the cavity, so as to leave a first portion ofthe label secured to the face of the reservoir and a second portion ofthe label secured to the face of the personal dispenser.

131. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 130, further comprising a mounting dock forremovably mounting the personal dispenser, the mounting dock havingresiliently flexible arms;

wherein the resiliently flexible arms, while in an unbiased condition,define an inner profile that is complementary to an outer profile of thepersonal dispenser;

wherein the personal dispenser is mounted to the mounting dock by urgingthe flexible arms apart, positioning the personal dispenser between theflexible arms, and allowing the flexible arms to return to the unbiasedcondition with the personal dispenser therebetween; and

wherein the mounting dock is positioned so that the personal dispenseris coupled to the dispenser outlet when the personal dispenser ismounted to the mounting dock.

132. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 131, wherein the mounting dock and the personaldispenser have lock-out features that prevent the mounting dock and thepersonal dispenser from mounting with a device that lacks complimentarylock-out features.

133. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 132, wherein the lock-out features comprise atleast one rib on the mounting dock or the personal dispenser, and atleast one void on the mounting dock or the personal dispenser, whereinthe void is configured to receive the rib when the personal dispenser ismounted to the mounting dock.

134. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 133, wherein the personal dispenser isconfigured so that the liquid is contained in the receptacle withoutcoming into contact with atmospheric air.

135. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 134, wherein the inlet port comprises a one-wayinlet valve that permits fluid to enter the receptacle through the inletport, and prevents fluid from exiting the receptacle through the inletport;

wherein the outlet port comprises a one-way outlet valve that permitsfluid to exit the receptacle through the outlet port, and prevents fluidfrom entering the receptacle through the outlet port; and

wherein the receptacle comprises a collapsible bag.

136. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 135, wherein the collapsible bag is configuredto expand, up to a maximum volume, to accommodate the liquid received bythe inlet port.

137. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 136, wherein, once the bag reaches the maximumvolume, receipt of further liquid from the inlet port causes pressurewithin the bag to increase up to a threshold pressure; and

wherein the one-way outlet valve is configured to discharge the liquidfrom the outlet port when the threshold pressure is reached.

138. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 137, wherein the personal dispenser furthercomprises a plunger that is operable to exert a compressive force on thebag, to increase the pressure within the bag up to the thresholdpressure and thereby discharge the liquid from the outlet port.

139. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 138, wherein the plunger comprises a manuallyoperable push button.

140. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 139, wherein the personal dispenser comprises ahousing defining an internal cavity that extends longitudinally from afirst end of the housing to a second end of the housing, the housinghaving a rack of teeth arranged longitudinally on an internal surfacethereof;

wherein the plunger comprises a flexible pawl arranged within theinternal cavity, the flexible pawl having a foot that, when in anunbiased state, engages with the teeth;

wherein the bag is arranged within the internal cavity, between theflexible pawl and the first end of the housing; and

wherein the foot and the teeth are angled so that:

(i) the foot slides freely along the rack when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing; and

(ii) when the foot is in the unbiased state, the engagement of the footwith the teeth prevents the plunger from being moved longitudinallytoward the second end of the housing.

141. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 140, further comprising a mounting dock forremovably mounting the personal dispenser, the mounting dock beingpositioned so that the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenseroutlet when the personal dispenser is mounted to the mounting dock;

wherein the mounting dock comprises a protruding rib, and the housing ofthe personal dispenser has a slot that is sized to receive theprotruding rib when the personal dispenser is mounted to the mountingdock;

wherein the protruding rib is configured to engage with the foot whenreceived by the slot, so as to bend the foot away from, and out ofengagement with, the rack;

wherein the foot slides freely along the rib when the plunger is movedlongitudinally toward the first end of the housing and toward the secondend of the housing; and

wherein the foot is configured to return to the unbiased state uponremoval of the rib from the slot.

142. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 141, wherein the reservoir is configured so thatthe liquid is contained in the reservoir without coming into contactwith the atmospheric air.

143. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 142, wherein the reservoir is configured tocollapse as the liquid is discharged therefrom.

144. A liquid master dispenser, optionally including one or morefeatures of any of 1 to 143, wherein the dispenser outlet is configuredto sealingly engage with the inlet port of the personal dispenser, toprevent the atmospheric air from contacting the liquid as it istransferred from the dispenser outlet to the personal dispenser.

145. A device incorporating one or more features of any of 1 to 144.

146. A replaceable cartridge for a liquid master dispenser, optionallyincluding one or more features of any of 1 to 145, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed from the liquid masterdispenser;

and

a personal dispenser removably coupled to the reservoir, the personaldispenser comprising:

a receptacle for containing liquid to be dispensed from the personaldispenser; and

an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured for selectively dischargingthe liquid contained in the receptacle from the outlet port, after thepersonal dispenser is removed from the reservoir.

147. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 146, wherein the reservoir has a cavity sized forremovably receiving the personal dispenser.

148. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 147, wherein the personal dispenser is held within thecavity of the reservoir in an initial bundled configuration.

149. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 148, further comprising a label that is secured to a faceof the reservoir and a face of the personal dispenser while in theinitial bundled configuration;

wherein the label is configured to be severed upon removal of thepersonal dispenser from the cavity, so as to leave a first portion ofthe label secured to the face of the reservoir and a second portion ofthe label secured to the face of the personal dispenser.

150. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 149, wherein the personal dispenser is held within thecavity of the reservoir, without protruding from the cavity, when in aninitial bundled configuration.

151. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 150, wherein the reservoir has a face in which the cavityis formed, and the personal dispenser has a face that is substantiallyflush with the face of the reservoir when in the initial bundledconfiguration.

152. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 151, wherein the replaceable cartridge has asubstantially flat profile when in the initial bundled configuration.

153. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 152, wherein the reservoir has at least one indentationadjacent to the cavity.

154. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 153, wherein the at least one indentation is configuredto provide manual access for removal of the personal dispenser from thecavity.

155. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 155, wherein the at least one indentation comprises twoindentations that are provided on opposite sides of the cavity, the twoindentations being sized and spaced to allow a user to grasp and removethe personal dispenser from the cavity.

156. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 155, wherein the reservoir comprises:

a top wall with an outlet opening;

a bottom wall; and

a side wall that connects the top wall and the bottom wall;

wherein the cavity is formed as a recess in the side wall.

157. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 156, wherein the reservoir is formed from plastic.

158. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 157, wherein the reservoir has a reservoir outlet forselective discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

wherein the personal dispenser has an inlet port for receiving theliquid discharged from the reservoir outlet and communicating the liquidto the receptacle;

wherein the personal dispenser is configured to sealingly engage withthe reservoir outlet so that the liquid discharged from the reservoiroutlet accumulates in the receptacle, the personal dispenser beingselectively removable from the reservoir outlet;

wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inlet valve that permitsfluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, and prevents fluidfrom exiting the receptacle through the inlet port; and

wherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.

159. A replaceable cartridge, optionally including one or more featuresof any of 1 to 158, wherein the liquid to be dispensed from the masterliquid dispenser and the liquid to be dispensed from the personaldispenser comprises a hand cleaner.

160. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 159, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed;

a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir;

a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from thedispenser outlet when activated;

a refill outlet configured to couple with a personal dispenser anddeliver the liquid from the reservoir to the personal dispenser; and

a filling mechanism operable to deliver the liquid from the refilloutlet when activated;

wherein the dispenser outlet is separate from the refill outlet.

161. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 160, further comprising a valve arrangement for directingthe liquid from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet or the refilloutlet, wherein the valve arrangement is configured to:

permit the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the refill outlet, andprevent the liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the dispenseroutlet, when the personal dispenser is coupled to the refill outlet andcontains less than a preselected volume of the liquid;

permit the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet,and prevent the liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the refilloutlet, when the personal dispenser is coupled to the refill outlet andcontains the preselected volume of the liquid; and

permit the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet,and prevent the liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the refilloutlet, when the personal dispenser is uncoupled from the refill outlet.

162. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 161, further comprising a conduit for conveying the liquidfrom the reservoir to the dispenser outlet or the refill outlet, theconduit having a conduit inlet in fluid communication with the reservoirand a conduit outlet;

wherein the dispenser outlet and the refill outlet are rotatably mountedrelative to the conduit outlet for selectively alternating between adispensing condition, wherein the dispenser outlet is aligned with andin fluid communication with the conduit outlet, and a refill condition,wherein the refill outlet is aligned with and in fluid communicationwith the conduit outlet.

163. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 162, further comprising a usage monitoring system configuredto generate information indicative of an amount of the liquid dispensedfrom the liquid dispenser, wherein said amount includes both the liquiddispensed from the dispenser outlet and the liquid delivered to thepersonal dispenser from the refill outlet;

wherein the usage monitoring system comprises at least one of:

a sensor configured to detect a volume or a mass of the liquid containedin the reservoir;

a sensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through the dispenseroutlet;

a sensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through the refilloutlet;

a sensor configured to detect the activation of the discharge mechanism;and

a sensor configured to detect the activation of the filling mechanism.

164. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 163, further comprising:

a sensor configured to detect if the personal dispenser is coupled tothe refill outlet; and

a sensor configured to detect if the personal dispenser is full;

wherein the filling mechanism is configured to automatically deliver theliquid from the refill outlet to the personal dispenser, when thepersonal dispenser is coupled to the refill outlet; and

wherein the filling mechanism is configured to automatically stopdelivery of the liquid from the refill outlet to the personal dispenser,when the personal dispenser is full.

165. A liquid dispenser, optionally including one or more features ofany of 1 to 164, wherein the liquid comprises a hand cleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects and advantages of the invention will appear from thefollowing description taken together with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid master dispenser inaccordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a pictorial side view of the liquid master dispenser ofFIG. 1 with the housing removed, and a personal dispenser in a coupledstate;

FIG. 2B show a pictorial side view of the liquid master dispenser as inFIG. 2A but with the personal dispenser in an uncoupled state supportedon an independent desktop support surface;

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view FIG. 2A showing the liquid masterdispenser and the personal dispenser in the coupled state;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the personal dispenser of the liquidmaster dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the personal dispenser of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the personal dispenser of FIG. 4,taken along line A-A′;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a mounting dock of the liquid masterdispenser of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the mounting dock of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8 to 10 are perspective views depicting the coupling of thepersonal dispenser of the liquid master dispenser of FIG. 1, and showingsuccessive relative positions moving from an initial coupling positionof FIG. 8, through an intermediate position of FIG. 9, to a fullycoupled position of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the personal dispenser coupled to themounting dock taken along section line B-B′ in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of apersonal dispenser similar to that shown in FIG. 5, with a firstalternate construction;

FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a personaldispenser similar to that shown in FIG. 5, with a second alternateconstruction;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a liquid master dispenser inaccordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention with apersonal dispenser in an uncoupled state;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for the dispenser ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows a front view of a liquid master dispenser in accordancewith a third preferred embodiment of the invention with a personaldispenser in a coupled state;

FIG. 17 shows a front view of FIG. 16 with the personal dispenser in anuncoupled state;

FIG. 18 shows a front view of a replaceable cartridge of the liquidmaster dispenser of FIG. 16 with the personal dispenser in a coupledstate;

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional front view of a pump assembly of thereplaceable cartridge of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a personal dispenser of thereplaceable cartridge of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional front view of the personal dispenser ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows a schematic front view of the pump assembly, an actuatorplate, and the personal dispenser of the dispenser of FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a liquid master dispenser inaccordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 shows a pictorial side view of the liquid master dispenser ofFIG. 23 with the housing removed, and a personal dispenser in a coupledstate to a refill tube;

FIG. 25 shows an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the valveassembly in FIG. 24 in a diversion condition as in FIG. 24 to directfluid via the refill tube to the personal dispenser;

FIG. 26 shows the enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the valveassembly as in FIG. 25 but in a flow through condition as in FIG. 23 todirect fluid to a discharge outlet;

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a reservoir cartridge, comprising areservoir with a personal dispenser held in a cavity thereof, inaccordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the reservoir and personal dispenserof FIG. 27, with the personal dispenser removed from the cavity;

FIG. 29 shows a side view of a liquid master dispenser in accordancewith a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention, with a personaldispenser in an uncoupled state;

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the liquid master dispenser of FIG. 29,with the personal dispenser coupled to a spout tube of the masterdispenser;

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of a personal dispenser in accordancewith a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 32 shows a side view of a liquid master dispenser incorporating thepersonal dispenser of claim 31, with the personal dispenser in anuncoupled state;

FIG. 33 shows a side view of the liquid master dispenser of FIG. 32,with the personal dispenser in a coupled state;

FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of the personal dispenser of FIG.31 along section line C-C′;

FIG. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of the personal dispenser of FIG.31, which is the same view as shown in FIG. 34, but with the personaldispenser in a coupled state as in FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the personaldispenser of FIG. 32 along sectional line E-E′, with the personaldispenser in the uncoupled state; and

FIG. 37 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the personaldispenser of FIG. 33 along sectional line F-F′, with the personaldispenser in the coupled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made first to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C which show a liquidmaster dispenser 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment ofthe invention. The master dispenser 10 includes a reservoir 12, ahousing 14, a pump assembly 16, a dispenser outlet 18, and a personaldispenser or point of care dispenser 20. The master dispenser 10 issimilar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,573 to Ophardt et al.,issued Jul. 6, 2010, and in U.S. Publication No. US 2014/025336 toOphardt, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The reservoir 12 is a container for holding the liquid to be dispensedfrom the master dispenser 10. The housing 14 partially surrounds andsupports the reservoir 12, the pump assembly 16, and the dispenseroutlet 18. The housing 14 is adapted for permanent attachment to a wallor other similar structure, although the housing 14 could alternativelybe free standing as on a table top or other support surface, orselectively removable from a stand or other support. The housing 14carries a discharge tube shroud 19.

The pump assembly 16 is configured to pump the liquid from the reservoir12 and out through the dispenser outlet 18 upon application of amechanical force thereto. In the preferred embodiment shown, a manualactuator 22 is provided for applying the mechanical force to the pumpassembly 16.

The pump assembly 16 is best shown in FIG. 2C as including a pistonchamber forming body 401 and a piston forming element 402. The pistonchamber forming body 401 is fixed to the housing 14 against movement anddefines therein a piston chamber 124 from which a dip tube 128 extendsdownwardly in to the reservoir 12. The reservoir 12 is supported by thehousing 14. The piston forming element 402 is mounted to the pistonchamber forming body 401 for relative vertical movement with a piston122 of the piston forming element 402 coaxially slidable within pistonchamber 124 biased upwardly by a spring 126 disposed within the pistonchamber 124 between the piston chamber 124 and the piston 122. A manualactuator 22 in the form of a pivoting lever is mounted to the housing 14for pivoting about a horizontal axis to move the piston forming element402 downwardly relative to the piston chamber forming body 401 againstthe bias of the spring 126.

The piston forming element 402 includes a hollow spout tube 134 thatextends from the piston 122 forming an internal conduit 120 therein thatis integral with a dispenser outlet 18. At one end, the internal conduit120 expands radially outward to form the piston 122, which sits snuglywithin the piston chamber 124. The piston 122 is provided with aduckbill check valve 130, which permits fluid to flow into the piston122 from the piston chamber 124, and prevents fluid from flowing out ofthe piston 122 into the piston chamber 124.

The piston chamber 124 defines a cylindrical cavity within which thepiston 122 is able to move up and down. The spring 126 sits within thepiston chamber 124 below the piston 122, and biases the piston 122upwards. The dip tube 128 extends downwardly from the piston chamber 124toward the bottom of the reservoir 12, for drawing the liquid therefrom.A one-way duckbill valve 132 sits between the piston chamber 124 and thedip tube 128, and permits fluid to flow into the piston chamber 124 fromthe dip tube 128, and prevents fluid from flowing out of the pistonchamber 124 into the dip tube 128.

The pump assembly 16 is operated by depressing the manual actuator 22,which causes the internal conduit 120 and the piston 122 to slidedownwardly within the piston chamber 124. The movement of the piston 122pressurizes the fluid contained within the piston chamber 124, forcingthe fluid upwards through the check valve 130. The influx of fluid intothe piston 122 displaces any fluid contained therein, which in turndisplaces any fluid contained within the internal conduit 120 and forcesthe fluid out through the dispenser outlet 18.

When the manual actuator 22 is released, the spring 126 pushes thepiston 122 back up to its initial position. This reduces the pressurewithin the piston chamber 124, which draws liquid in from the reservoir12 via the dip tube 128 and through the valve 132. The process may thenbe repeated as desired.

Initially, the pump assembly 16 is primed by operating the pump assembly16 repeatedly until all of the air contained therein is completelydisplaced by liquid from the reservoir 12. Once the pump assembly 16 isfully primed, further operation of the pump assembly 16 will force theliquid contained therein out through the dispenser outlet 18.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the dispenser outlet 18 is an outer portion of thehollow tubular elongated spout tube 134 that extends horizontally fromthe internal conduit 120, and is in fluid communication with thereservoir 12 via the pump assembly 16 for receiving the liquidtherefrom. The spout tube 134 extends from an inlet end 24 that iscontinuous with the internal conduit 120, to an outlet end 26 from whichthe liquid is dispensed. The spout tube 134 curves downward near theoutlet end 26, so that the outlet end 26 is angled below horizontal,that is extends forwardly as it extends downwardly, to direct the liquidinto a user's hand 17 disposed below the outlet end 26 duringdispensing.

A mounting dock 28 is coupled to the spout tube 134 between the inletend 24 and the outlet end 26. The mounting dock 28 is provided forsliding engagement with the personal dispenser 20, to enable couplingand uncoupling of the personal dispenser 20 with the spout tube 134.

The personal dispenser 20 is best shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 as includinga receptacle 38, an inlet port 40, an outlet port 42, and a generallyarcuate docking seat 44. The inlet port 40 is configured to receive theliquid discharged from the dispenser outlet 18, and is provided with aone-way inlet valve 56 that permits fluid to enter the receptacle 38through the inlet port 40, and prevents fluid from exiting thereceptacle 38 through the inlet port 40. The one-way inlet valve 56 is aduckbill valve, although any suitable one-way valve construction couldbe employed.

The inlet port 40 is configured so that, while the personal dispenser 20is coupled to the spout tube 134, the inlet port 40 sealingly engageswith the outlet end 26 of the spout tube 134, as best seen in FIG. 2C.This ensures that the liquid discharged from the outlet end 26 passesthrough the one-way inlet valve 56 and into the receptacle 38.

The receptacle 38 is configured to contain the liquid received by theinlet port 40, and defines an internal cavity 58 within which the liquidreceived from the inlet port 40 accumulates. The receptacle 38incorporates a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing theliquid contained therein. In the embodiment shown, the dispensingmechanism is a manually compressible diaphragm pump 60.

The diaphragm pump 60 is formed as an outwardly bulging semi-sphericalmembrane, preferably constructed from a resiliently flexible plastic orrubber material. The diaphragm pump 60 is configured to be inwardlycompressible upon application of a manual compressing force, toselectively reduce the internal volume of the cavity 58 from anuncompressed volume to a compressed volume, to thereby discharge theliquid contained in the receptacle 38 through the outlet port 42. Thediaphragm pump 60 is biased toward returning to the outwardly bulgingsemi-spherical shape upon release of the compressing force, to returnthe internal volume of the cavity 58 to its uncompressed volume.

The receptacle 38 also incorporates a baffle 62 that is interposedbetween the inlet port 40 and the outlet port 42. The baffle 62 forms apartial barrier between the outlet port 42 and the internal cavity 58,leaving only a narrow upper channel 64 permitting fluid communicationtherebetween. The configuration of the baffle 62 permits the expulsionof displaced air from the receptacle 38 as the liquid accumulatestherein.

The outlet port 42 is configured to discharge the liquid from thereceptacle 38, and is provided with a one-way outlet valve 66 thatpermits fluid to exit the receptacle 38 through the outlet port 42, andprevents fluid from entering the receptacle 38 through the outlet port42. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the one-way outlet valve 66 is aduckbill valve, although any suitable one-way valve construction couldbe employed. Preferably, the one-way outlet valve 66 is configured todischarge fluid from the receptacle 38 only when a pressure differentialacross the outlet port 42 exceeds a preselected threshold. This helps toensure that the liquid does not unintentionally leak out of the personaldispenser 20. The preselected threshold is preferably between 50 mbarand 100 mbar, and most preferably at least about 60 mbar.

The operation of the master dispenser 10 while the personal dispenser 20is coupled thereto will now be described. To fill the personal dispenser20 with the liquid, the pump assembly 16 is operated to discharge theliquid from the dispenser outlet 18 in the manner previously described.The liquid discharged by the dispenser outlet 18 is received by theinlet port 40, where it passes through the one-way inlet valve 56 andinto the receptacle 38.

While in the coupled orientation shown in FIG. 2C, the personaldispenser 20 is oriented such that the received liquid initially poolswithin the internal cavity 58 below the height of the baffle 62.Meanwhile, the lower relative density of the air contained within theinternal cavity 58 causes the air to sit above the liquid, in fluidcommunication with the outlet port 42 through the upper channel 64. Asthe liquid accumulates, the pressure within the internal cavity 58 risesuntil the preselected threshold of the one-way outlet valve 66 isreached. Once the preselected threshold is reached, the one-way outletvalve 66 opens to release the displaced air therefrom.

Eventually, the level of the liquid contained within the internal cavity58 reaches the height of the baffle 62. At this point, most of the airinitially contained within the internal cavity 58 has been expelled fromthe outlet port 42. As further liquid is received by the inlet port 40,the liquid spills over the baffle 62 through the upper channel 64 to theoutlet port 42, to be discharged when the pressure is above thepreselected threshold.

The construction of the liquid master dispenser 10 permits the liquid tobe discharged while the personal dispenser 20 remains coupled to thedispenser outlet 18. In particular, once the level of liquid within theinternal cavity 58 has exceeded the height of the baffle 62, allowingthe liquid to pool above the outlet port 42, further pressurization ofthe internal cavity 58 above the preselected threshold will cause thedischarge of the liquid from the outlet port 42.

One way to further pressurize the internal cavity 58 is by activatingthe pump assembly 16, to introduce further liquid into the receptacle 38through the inlet port 40. This influx of liquid will increase thepressure within the internal cavity 58. Once the preselected thresholdis reached, the liquid pooled above the outlet port 42 will be dischargetherefrom.

The personal dispenser 20 can be easily uncoupled from the dispenseroutlet 18 when desired, and is configured to sit upright on a flatsupport surface 15 such as a table or desk, as shown in FIG. 2B. Whendetached from the dispenser outlet 18, the liquid is discharged from thepersonal dispenser 20 by manually compressing the diaphragm pump 60.This pressurizes the cavity 58, to thereby open the one-way outlet valve66 and discharge the liquid therefrom. The one-way inlet valve 56furthermore allows air to enter the receptacle 38 through the inlet port40, to replace the discharged liquid and permit the diaphragm pump 60 toreturn to its original outwardly bulging semi-spherical shape. Thediaphragm pump 60 can then be compressed again to discharge furtherliquid as desired.

While the personal dispenser 20 is removed from the dispenser outlet 18,the pump assembly 16 remains operable to dispense the liquid directlyfrom the dispenser outlet 18, as for example onto a person's hand belowthe outlet end 26, as shown in FIG. 2B.

The structures which permit the coupling of the personal dispenser 20 tothe dispenser outlet 18 will now be described in detail. As best shownin FIG. 6, the mounting dock 28 defines a generally arcuate track 30that extends from a front end 32 to a back end 34. The front end 32 ofthe generally arcuate track 30 faces the outlet end 26 of the spout tube134, and the back end 34 faces away from the outlet end 26, as shown inFIG. 2B. The generally arcuate track 30 is formed as an elongateddovetail shaped projection 36. The elongated dovetail shaped projection36 is tapered such that a width of the elongated dovetail shapedprojection 36 at the front end 32 of the generally arcuate track 30 isless than a width of the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 at theback end 34 of the generally arcuate track 30, as is best shown in FIG.7.

The generally arcuate docking seat 44 of the personal dispenser 20 isprovided for sliding engagement with the generally arcuate track 30 ofthe mounting dock 28, to enable coupling and uncoupling of the personaldispenser 20 and the dispenser outlet 18. As shown in FIG. 3, thegenerally arcuate docking seat 44 extends from a front end 46 that facesthe inlet port 40, to a back end 48 that faces away from the inlet port40, and is formed from two docking rails 50. Together, the docking rails50 define an elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 therebetween, which isconfigured to receive the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36.

As is best shown in FIG. 4, the docking rails 50 define a taper in theelongated dovetail shaped channel 52, such that a width of the elongateddovetail shaped channel 52 at the front end 46 of the generally arcuatedocking seat 44 is less than a width of the elongated dovetail shapedchannel 52 at the back end 48 of the generally arcuate docking seat 44.More particularly, the taper in the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52is selected to correspond to the taper in the elongated dovetail shapedprojection 36, such that the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 andthe elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 fit snugly together when theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 is fully received within theelongated dovetail shaped channel 52.

The manner by which the personal dispenser 20 is coupled with thedispenser outlet 18 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to10. As shown in FIG. 8, the front end 32 of the elongated dovetailshaped projection 36 is initially received within the back end 48 of theelongated dovetail shaped channel 52. The arrangement of the generallyarcuate docking seat 44 on the personal dispenser 20 is selected suchthat the inlet port 40 of the personal dispenser 20 is spaced from theoutlet end 26 of the spout tube 134 in this initial position.

Next, the back end 48 of the generally arcuate docking seat 44 is slidalong the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 toward the back end 34thereof. At the same time, the curvature of the elongated dovetailshaped channel 52 and the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 causethe inlet port 40 to move toward the outlet end 26 of the spout tube134, as shown in FIG. 9.

The elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 and the elongated dovetailshaped projection 36 are fully engaged once the front end 32 of theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 is engaged with the front end 46of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52, and the back end 34 of theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 is engaged with the back end 48of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52, as shown in FIG. 10. Atthis point, the outlet end 26 of the spout tube 134 is received withinthe inlet port 40 of the personal dispenser 20.

The corresponding tapers in the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 andthe elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 prevent the front end 46 ofthe elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 from sliding past the front end32 of the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 toward the back end 34of the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36. As is best shown in FIG.11, the docking rails 50 are each provided with a flexible retainingboss 54 at the back end 48 of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52.The flexible retaining bosses 54 are configured to sit behind theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 in a snap fit while theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 is fully engaged with theelongated dovetail shaped channel 52, to provide a preselectedresistance against the sliding removal of the elongated dovetail shapedprojection 36 from the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52. A skilledartisan will appreciate that by adjusting the relative dimensions andmaterial properties of the flexible retaining bosses 54, the degree ofresistance can be adjusted. Preferably, the degree of resistance isselected so as to prevent unintentional disengagement of the elongateddovetail shaped projection 36 from the elongated dovetail shaped channel52, while also permitting the personal dispenser 20 to be easily removedfrom the mounting dock 28 when so desired.

The personal dispenser 20 is removed from the mounting dock 28 bysliding the back end 48 of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52toward the front end 32 of the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36,until the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 and the elongateddovetail shaped projection 36 are completely disengaged. At the sametime, the curvature of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 and theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 cause the inlet port 40 of thepersonal dispenser 20 to disengage from the outlet end 26 of thedispenser outlet 18.

The interaction of the mounting dock 28 and the docking seat 44 on thepersonal dispenser 20 provides one arrangement for pivotal movement ofthe personal dispenser 20 into engagement with the discharge outlet.Other arrangements may be used.

A first alternate construction of the personal dispenser 20 is depictedin FIG. 12, wherein like numerals are used to identify like components.The construction depicted in FIG. 12 is generally identical to thatshown in FIG. 5, with the exception that the receptacle 38 incorporatesan internal chamber 68 disposed within the internal cavity 58. Theinternal chamber 68 is defined by a generally conical barrier wall 70which surrounds the outer circumference of the diaphragm pump 60, andextends upwardly therefrom. The generally conical barrier wall 70 has acylindrical upper portion 72 with an upper opening 74. The diaphragmpump 60 corresponds identically to the diaphragm pump 60 shown in FIG. 5and described above, with the exception that the diaphragm pump 60 iscompletely or partially transparent, to permit visual inspection of thecontents of the internal chamber 68.

While the personal dispenser 20 is coupled to the dispenser outlet 18,the generally conical barrier wall 70 prevents liquid received by theinlet port 40 from entering the internal chamber 68 until the level ofthe liquid reaches the height of the upper opening 74. Preferably, theheight of the upper opening 74 is selected such that liquid will onlyenter the internal chamber 68 once the internal cavity 58 is almostcompletely full. This allows the presence or absence of liquid withinthe internal chamber 68 to serve as an indicator of whether or not thereceptacle 38 is full. The presence or absence of liquid within theinternal chamber 68 can furthermore be easily determined through visualinspection of the transparent diaphragm pump 60. In some embodiments,the liquid is coloured to be more readily visible through thetransparent diaphragm pump 60.

A second alternate construction of the personal dispenser 20 is depictedin FIG. 13, wherein like numerals are used to identify like components.The construction depicted in FIG. 13 is generally identical to thatshown in FIG. 5, with the exception that the baffle 62 has been omitted,and the outlet port 42 is formed as an elongated tubular member 76. Thetubular member 76 extends from an inlet opening 78 disposed proximate tothe generally arcuate docking seat 44 within the internal cavity 58, toa discharge opening 80 that protrudes out of the receptacle 38. Similarto the baffle 62 in the constructions described above, the height of theinlet opening 78 of the tubular member 76 prevents liquid received bythe inlet port 40 from entering the outlet port 42 until the level ofthe liquid has reached the height of the inlet opening 78. This ensuresthat most of the air contained within the internal cavity 58 is expelledfrom the outlet port 42 before any liquid is discharged therefrom, inmuch the same way as the baffle 62 in the constructions described above.

Furthermore, when the personal dispenser 20 is removed from the masterdispenser 10 and held manually upright or stood upright as shown in FIG.2B, the orientation of the tubular member 76 causes the inlet opening 78to sit near the bottom of the personal dispenser 20. This allows almostall of the liquid contained in the receptacle 38 to be selectivelydischarged while in the upright position. In particular, the orientationof the tubular member 76 ensures that the inlet opening 78 remains influid communication with the liquid pooled at the bottom of thereceptacle 38, even when the receptacle 38 is nearly empty.

The reservoir 12 may be replaced once the liquid contained therein hasbeen depleted. When the reservoir 12 is empty, the personal dispenser 20may advantageously be used as a backup supply of the liquid. Thepresence of this backup supply permits and may encourage users to waituntil the reservoir 12 is completely empty before replacing thereservoir 12, and thus reduce the amount of liquid that is wasted when areplaceable reservoir 12 is replaced before it is completely empty.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2C, both of these figures show the samecondition in which the personal dispenser 20 is coupled to the masterdispenser 10 and the piston forming element 402 is in an uppermostposition under the bias of the spring 126 as permitted by the actuator22. In this coupled position as seen in FIG. 1, the personal dispenser20 is below the shroud 19 with a lower profile of the shroud 19 and anupper profile of the personal dispenser 20 matching each other so as toprovide a pleasing visual appearance. From the position of FIGS. 1 and2C, on movement of the front distal end of the manual actuator 22downwardly, the piston forming element 402 is moved downwardly relativeto the piston chamber forming body 401. Since the piston chamber formingbody 401 is fixed to the housing 14, the piston forming element 402together with the discharge outlet 18 and the personal dispenser 20 aremoved vertically relative to the shroud 19 and the housing 14 withoperation of the pump assembly 16.

FIG. 14 shows a liquid master dispenser 10 in accordance with a secondpreferred embodiment of the invention, wherein like reference numeralsare used to denote like components. The liquid master dispenser 10according to the second preferred embodiment is identical to the liquidmaster dispenser 10 according to the first preferred embodiment, withthe exception that the manual actuator 22 has been omitted, and themaster dispenser 10 has been adapted to incorporate electroniccomponents to permit automatic and touchless activation of the pumpassembly 16. The master dispenser 10 may, for example, incorporatefeatures similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,482 toOphardt et al., issued Nov. 17, 1998, and United States Publication No.US 20090045221 to Ophardt et al., published Feb. 19, 2009, both of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

The master dispenser 10 incorporates a back panel 140 which is coupledto the housing 14 and carries various additional components fortouchless operation of the master dispenser 10 including the provisionas schematically shown on FIG. 15 of an electric motor 142 which whenactivated moves the piston element 402 in a cycle of operation todispense an allotment of fluid from the pump assembly 16, varioussensors 82, 84 and 88, a central processing unit 86, and a communicationsystem 90. The central processing unit 86 is connected to variouselectronic components, as shown schematically in FIG. 15. The centralprocessing unit 86 acts as a control system for the pump assembly 16,and is able to activate the pump assembly 16 using the electric motor142.

The housing 14 of the master dispenser 10 is modified to incorporateinfrared sensors 82 and 84, which are positioned adjacent to the outletend 26 of the spout tube 134. The personal dispenser sensor 82 isconfigured to detect if the personal dispenser 20 is coupled to thespout tube 134. The sensor 82 comprises an emitter of infrared radiationand a sensor of infrared radiation. The sensor 82 is able to detectchanges in infrared radiation emitted that is received by its sensor,and is calibrated to recognize the infrared radiation that is sensed dueto reflection from the personal dispenser 20 when the personal dispenser20 is placed immediately adjacent to the sensor 82, as occurs when thepersonal dispenser 20 is coupled to the spout tube 134.

The fluid level sensor 84 is configured to detect if the receptacle 38of the personal dispenser 20 contains a preselected volume of theliquid. The sensor 84 comprises an emitter of infrared radiation and asensor of infrared radiation. To enable the operation of the sensor 84,the personal dispenser 20 is provided with a transparent window 144which permits infrared radiation to pass therethrough. The window 144 ispositioned to align with the sensor 84 when the personal dispenser 20 iscoupled to the spout tube 134 so that infrared radiation from theemitter of the sensor 84 passes through the window 114 into thereceptacle 38, and the sensor of the sensor 84 receives infraredradiation reflected from within the receptacle 38 back out through thewindow 144. The sensor 84 is able to detect changes in the infraredradiation reflected back through the window 144 from within thereceptacle 38. The sensor 84 is calibrated to recognize the change ininfrared radiation that occurs when the liquid within the receptacle 38rises to one or more heights including preferably a height correspondingto the preselected volume.

An additional infrared hand sensor 88 is also incorporated into thehousing 14 near the spout tube 134. The sensor 88 is configured todetect the presence of a user's hand immediately below the outlet end 26when the personal dispenser 20 is removed, and below the outlet port 42when the personal dispenser 20 is coupled to the spout tube 134. Thesensor 88 comprises an emitter of infrared radiation and a sensor ofinfrared radiation. The sensor 88 is calibrated to recognize the changein infrared radiation that occurs when a person's hand is held in thearea below the spout tube 134. The sensors 82, 84 and 88 are linked tothe central processing unit 86 by being wired or wireless connections asschematically shown on FIG. 15.

During operation, the master dispenser 10 is configured to automaticallyfill or refill the personal dispenser 20. In particular, the sensor 82is configured to detect the coupling of the personal dispenser 20 to thespout tube 134, and to communicate this information to the centralprocessing unit 86. This triggers the central processing unit 86 toactivate the pump assembly 16 via the electric motor 142, to pump theliquid from the reservoir 12 out through the spout tube 134 and into thereceptacle 38 of the personal dispenser 20. The pump assembly 16 remainsactivated until the sensor 84 detects that the receptacle 38 is full tothe preselected volume, and transmits this information to the centralprocessing unit 86. The central processing unit 86 then deactivates thepump assembly 16.

After the personal dispenser 20 has been filled and while the personaldispenser 20 is coupled to the spout tube 134, the pump assembly 16 canbe activated to discharge the liquid from the master dispenser 10. Inparticular, the central processing unit 86 is configured to activate thepump assembly 16 when the sensor 88 detects the presence of a user'shand underneath the spout tube 134. This occurs regardless of whether ornot the personal dispenser 20 is coupled to the spout tube 134, andregardless of the volume of liquid contained within the personaldispenser 20.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the master dispenser 10 isconfigured for monitoring hand cleaning compliance by automaticallyrecording the amount of liquid that is discharged from the spout tube134. Since the master dispenser 10 is constructed such that both (i) theliquid that is used to fill the personal dispenser 20, and (ii) theliquid that is directly dispensed, as for example onto a user's hand,are discharged from the spout tube 134, both uses of the liquid (i) and(ii) are automatically taken into account. This may be useful, forexample, in a hospital setting where both personal dispensers 20 andstationary master dispensers 10 are frequently used, and the use ofwhich must both be monitored in order to accurately assess hand cleaningfrequency.

Information indicative of the amount of liquid dispensed may becollected, for example, by recording each activation of the pumpassembly 16; by monitoring the volume of the liquid within the reservoir12; and/or by detecting the flow of liquid through the pump assembly 16or the spout tube 134. This information is collected by the centralprocessing unit 86, which may transmit the information via thecommunication system 90 to a central computer, where it can be compiledand made available to hospital staff. The monitoring system may, forexample, operate in a similar manner to that described in theapplicant's co-pending Canadian Patent Application No. 2865608, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In a dispenser as shown in FIG. 14, the personal dispenser 20 isadvantageously able to act as a manual backup pump in the event that themaster dispenser 10 loses power, as explained below with reference toFIG. 2C, assuming that the lever 22 is to be moved by the electric motor142 not shown in FIG. 2C. If power is lost, with the result that theelectric motor 142 is inoperable, while the personal dispenser 20 iscoupled to the master dispenser 10 as seen in FIG. 2C, the internalcavity 58 of the receptacle 38 can be manually pressurized throughcompression of the diaphragm pump 60, to thereby discharge the liquidcontained in the receptacle 38 out the outlet port 42 onto the user'shand 17. The diaphragm pump 60 is biased toward returning to itsoutwardly bulging semi-spherical shape upon release of the manualcompressing force so as to increase the volume of the internal cavity 58and produce a resulting drop in pressure or vacuum within the internalcavity 58 of the receptacle 38 sufficiently great to draw the liquidcontained in the reservoir 12 into the receptacle 38. That is, thevacuum pressure within the internal cavity 58 of the receptacle 38 issufficiently great to draw liquid through the one-way inlet valve 56 andthrough the pump assembly 16. In this regard, the vacuum is sufficientto draw fluid in the reservoir 12 up through the dip tube 128, throughthe one way valve 132, the piston chamber 124, the one-way valve 130,the internal conduit 120 and the one-way inlet valve 56, and into theinternal cavity 58 of the receptacle 38. In this way, the liquid may bemanually drawn from the reservoir 12 and out through the outlet port 42in individual allotments through repeated manual compression and releaseof the diaphragm pump 60.

Reference is made to FIGS. 16 to 22 which show a liquid master dispenser10 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention,wherein like reference numerals are used to denote like components. Asin the embodiments described above, the master dispenser 10 includes areservoir 12, a housing 14, a pump assembly 16, a dispenser outlet 18,and a personal dispenser 20. The master dispenser 10 may have a similarconstruction to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,984,825 to Ophardt etal., issued Jul. 26, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,236 to Ophardt, issuedApr. 1, 2014; and/or the applicant's co-pending Canadian PatentApplication No. 2839615, which are each incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 16 shows a front view in which a front cover 13 can be seen as wellas a manual actuator 22, with lowermost portions of a personal dispenser20 extending downwardly below the manual actuator 22. The front cover 13is coupled to the housing 14 shown in FIG. 16 in a conventional manneras by being hingedly coupled thereto for movement about a hinge axis 11from a closed position as seen in FIG. 16 enclosing the reservoir 12 andan open position shown in FIG. 18 in which the housing 14 and reservoir12 are accessible. The housing 14 is schematically shown in FIG. 18 ashaving a back plate 510 adapted for attachment to a wall. A supportplate 511 is fixed to the back plate 510 and extends forwardly toremovably support the piston chamber forming body 401 of the pumpassembly 16 and thereby the reservoir 12 and the piston forming element402. An actuator plate 160 is schematically shown as mounted to thehousing 14 for reciprocal upward and downward sliding movement relativethe support plate 511. Spring members 512 are shown disposed between thesupport plate 511 and the actuator plate 160 to bias the actuator plate160 downwardly away from the support plate 511. The actuator plate 160removably engages the piston forming element 402. The front cover 13carries a manual actuator 22 shown only in FIGS. 16 and 17 which, whenthe front cover 13 is in the closed position, is mechanically coupledbetween the housing 14 and the actuator plate 160 in such a way thatmanual movement of the manual actuator 22 causes the actuator plate 160to slide upwards relative the support plate 511 against the bias of thespring members 512. The actuator plate 160 is best shown in FIG. 22 ashaving an upper chamber 162 with an actuation flange 164 for engagementwith the piston forming element 402 of pump assembly 16, and a lowerchamber 166 with a pair of small lateral protrusions 168 for engagementwith the personal dispenser 20.

The reservoir 12, the pump assembly 16, the dispenser outlet 18, and thepersonal dispenser 20 are coupled to form a replaceable cartridge 94,which is shown in FIG. 18. The reservoir 12 is a container for holdingthe liquid to be dispensed from the liquid dispenser 10. The liquid ispreferably hand soap or hand sanitizer. The bottom of the reservoir 12is provided with a reservoir outlet 96, which is coupled to the pistonchamber forming body 401 of pump assembly 16.

The pump assembly 16 is shown in FIG. 19 with the piston chamber formingbody 401 threadably secured to the outlet 96 of the reservoir 12. Thepiston forming element 402 of the pump assembly 16 includes an actuationcollar 98, configured to removably be received within the upper chamber162 of the actuator plate 160 to couple the piston forming element 402and the actuator plate 160, such that with reciprocal upwards anddownwards movement of the actuator plate 160 the piston forming element402 is reciprocally moved coaxially relative the piston chamber formingbody 401 to pump the liquid from the reservoir 12 out through thedispenser outlet 18. Thus, by manual movement of the manual actuator 22,an upwards mechanical force is applied to the actuation collar 98 andtransferred to the piston forming element 402 to pump the liquid fromthe reservoir 12.

The internal structure of the pump assembly 16 is best shown in FIG. 19.As in the previously described embodiments, the pump assembly 16includes a piston forming element 402 with a piston 122 that ispositioned within a piston chamber 124 defined within the piston chamberforming body 401. The dispenser outlet 18 is in fluid communication withthe piston 122 via an internal conduit 120 with a one-way valve 403across the conduit permitting flow outwardly from the reservoir 12 butpreventing flow inwardly into the reservoir 12. The piston 122 isprovided with an inner disc 170 which acts as a one-way valve to permitpressurized liquid between the inlet valve 403 and the inner disc 170 toflow outwardly past inner disc 170 in the piston chamber 124, andprevents liquid from flowing inwardly therepast. The piston 122 isprovided with a sealing disc 170 which prevents liquid from flowingoutwardly therepast in the piston chamber 124. With upward movement ofthe piston 122 relative the piston chamber forming body 401 in aretraction stroke, the liquid within the piston chamber 124 between theinlet valve 403 and the inner disc 170 is forced past the inner disc 170and through an opening 172 into the internal conduit 120 of the hollowstem of the piston forming element 402 and out the dispenser outlet 18.With downward movement of the piston 122 relative the piston chamberforming body 401 in a withdrawal stroke, the volume between the inletvalve 403 and the inner disc 170 increases drawing liquid from thereservoir 12 outwardly past the inlet valve 403.

The dispenser outlet 18 is formed as a short outlet tube 100 thatextends from the pump assembly 16 along an insertion axis I. A coaxialannular groove 102 is formed on the external surface of the outlet tube100.

The personal dispenser 20 is best shown in FIG. 20. As in theembodiments described above, the personal dispenser 20 includes areceptacle 38, an inlet port 40, and an outlet port 42. In addition, thepersonal dispenser 20 incorporates a pressure relief valve 104 andlateral channels 174. As in the previous embodiments, the inlet port 40is configured to receive the liquid discharged from the dispenser outlet18; the receptacle 38 is configured to contain the liquid received bythe inlet port 40; and the outlet port 42 is configured to discharge theliquid from the receptacle 38.

As is best shown in FIG. 17, the receptacle 38 incorporates an outwardlybulging diaphragm pump 60. As in the previous embodiments, the diaphragmpump 60 is manually compressible to expel the liquid contained in thereceptacle 38 and biased to return to an initial unbiased position.

The internal structure of the personal dispenser 20 is best shown inFIG. 21. The inlet port 40 defines a coupling channel 106 that extendsalong a coupling axis C. The coupling channel 106 is configured toreceive the outlet tube 100 therein to couple the personal dispenser 20and the dispenser outlet 18. An O-ring 108 is disposed coaxially withinthe coupling channel 106, and is arranged to engage with the annulargroove 102 of the outlet tube 100 in a snap fit when the outlet tube 100is received within the coupling channel 106. The engagement of theO-ring 108 with the annular groove 102 provides a preselected degree ofresistance against the removal of the outlet tube 100 from the couplingchannel 106. The degree of resistance is selected to preventunintentional uncoupling of the personal dispenser 20 from the dispenseroutlet 18, while permitting the personal dispenser 20 to be coupled anduncoupled when so desired.

The external laterally extending lateral channels 174 on personaldispenser 20 are configured to engage in a snap fit with the lateralprotrusions 168 on the actuator plate 160, to provide further resistanceagainst unintentional uncoupling of the personal dispenser 20. Inparticular, the engagement of the lateral channels 174 with the lateralprotrusions 168 ensures that the personal dispenser 20 moves up and downwith the actuator plate 160 when the manual actuator 22 is pressed, soas to remain coupled to the dispenser outlet 18.

The receptacle 38 is preferably formed from molded plastic, and definesan internal cavity 58 within which the liquid received from the inletport 40 accumulates. The outlet port 42 is situated at the bottom of thereceptacle 38, and includes a one-way outlet valve 110 configured todischarge fluid from the receptacle 38 only when a pressure differentialacross the outlet port 42 exceeds a preselected threshold.

To couple the personal dispenser 20 to the dispenser outlet 18, theoutlet tube 100 is aligned with the coupling channel 106, such that theinsertion axis I and the coupling axis C are coaxial, and the outlettube 100 is inserted into the coupling channel 106. With the personaldispenser 20 coupled to the dispenser outlet 18, by manually pressingthe manual actuator 22, the pump assembly 16 is activated to dispensethe liquid from the reservoir 12 out through the outlet tube 100 andinto the inlet port 40. The liquid then flows down into the internalcavity 58 of the receptacle 38, and begins accumulating therein.

As the liquid accumulates in the receptacle 38, the air displacedthereby is expelled through the pressure relief valve 104. This preventsthe pressure within the internal cavity 58 from increasing to above thethreshold pressure for the outlet valve 110, and so the outlet valve 110does not open. Once the level of the liquid within the receptacle 38reaches the height of the pressure relief valve 104, the pressure reliefvalve 104 closes and the pressure within the receptacle 38 may then riseto above the threshold pressure for the outlet valve 110 with liquid tobe discharged out the outlet valve 110. The function of the pressurerelief valve 104 may be achieved, for example, using a float that raiseswith the liquid to seal the pressure relief valve 104 when the level ofthe liquid within the receptacle 38 reaches the height of the pressurerelief valve 104.

The personal dispenser 20 may be uncoupled from the dispenser outlet 18once the desired volume of liquid has accumulated therein for remoteuse, or the personal dispenser 20 may be left coupled to the dispenseroutlet 18. As in the previous embodiments, the construction of theliquid dispenser 10 advantageously permits the liquid to be dischargedwhile the personal dispenser 20 remains coupled to the dispenser outlet18. In particular, once the level of the liquid within the internalcavity 58 has reached the height of the pressure relief valve 104, theinternal cavity 58 may be pressurized to create a pressure differentialacross the outlet port 42 that exceeds the preselected threshold, andthereby open the discharge valve 110 to dispense the liquid. As in theprevious embodiments, the internal cavity 58 may be pressurized byintroducing further liquid into the receptacle 38 through activation ofthe pump assembly 16, or by manual compression of the diaphragm pump 60.

The personal dispenser 20 can be easily uncoupled from the dispenseroutlet 18 when desired, to provide a mobile supply of the liquid. As inthe previous embodiments, the liquid is discharged from the personaldispenser 20 by manually compressing the diaphragm pump 60. Preferably,the pressure relief valve 104 is configured to remain closed while thepersonal dispenser 20 is uncoupled from the dispenser outlet 18.

As in the previous embodiments, the pump assembly 16 remains operable todispense the liquid directly from the dispenser outlet 18 as onto auser's hand when the personal dispenser 20 is removed from the dispenseroutlet 18.

When the supply of liquid within the reservoir 12 is depleted, the frontcover 13 of the housing 14 can be hinged open to provide access to thereplaceable cartridge 94 therein. The replaceable cartridge 94 can theneasily be removed from the housing 14, and replaced with a newreplaceable cartridge 94.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments describedherein. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are manypossible variations and modifications that fall within the scope of theinvention.

For instance, while the invention has been described in the preferredembodiments as for dispensing hand cleaners, the invention could also beapplied to devices for dispensing other types of liquids such as handcream, sunscreen, beverages, and other liquified cleaners, soaps andwaxes. For example, in one alternate embodiment, it is envisioned thatthe invention could be applied to a device for dispensing car wax and/orpolish in an auto body shop, to provide workers with portable refillabledispensers for small touch-ups.

While certain specific mechanisms for coupling and uncoupling thepersonal dispenser 20 and the dispenser outlet 18 have been described,it is to be appreciated that there may be many other suitable couplingmechanisms such as magnetic attachments, hook and loop fasteners, orelastic clips that fall within the scope of the invention. Furthermore,the coupling mechanisms that have been described with respect to one ormore of the embodiments could optionally be used with the otherembodiments, if desired. For example, the generally arcuate track 30described with reference to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13could, optionally, be used in a master dispenser 10 similar to the thirdembodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 22. In particular, the actuator plate160 could incorporate a generally arcuate track 30 for securely mountingthe personal dispenser 20, and the personal dispenser 20 could beprovided with a corresponding generally arcuate docking seat 44.

It is to be appreciated that the coupling mechanism could be configuredto attach the personal dispenser 20 to any suitable part of the masterdispenser 10 including, for example, the reservoir 12, the housing 14,the dispenser outlet 18, or the pump assembly 16, so long as thepersonal dispenser 20 is functionally linked to the master dispenser 10in a way that allows liquid discharged from the master dispenser 10 tobe received by the personal dispenser 20.

While the personal dispenser 20 has been described in some embodimentsas optionally incorporating a transparent or semi-transparent diaphragmpump 60 for the purpose of visualizing the level of liquid therein,there may be many other suitable ways to determine the level of theliquid. For example, the personal dispenser 20 may incorporate acoloured float that rises with the level of the liquid. Alternatively, atransparent panel or chamber could be provided on the personal dispenser20 through which the liquid is visible once it reaches a certain level.

While the preferred embodiments have described the receptacle 38 asincorporating a diaphragm pump 60 for the purpose of selectivelydischarging the liquid from the receptacle 38, it is to be understoodthat there are many alternative mechanisms that could be used. Forexample, the entire receptacle 38 could be formed from a flexiblematerial such that the liquid is dischargeable by squeezing any part ofthe receptacle 38. The personal dispenser 20 could also incorporateother pump structures, such as an electric pump. Preferably, thepersonal dispenser 20 is configured to discharge between 1 ml and 5 mlof the liquid with each compression of the diaphragm pump 60, althoughany other desired discharge volume could be selected.

The liquid dispenser 10 may incorporate any suitable device forinstructing the central processing unit 86 to activate the pump assembly16, including but not limited to a button, a touchscreen, a wirelesscommunication device, a microphone, a motion sensor, a radar sensor, alight sensor, an infrared sensor, or a camera.

In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13, three different configurationsfor the personal dispenser 20 are shown in which, while the personaldispenser 20 is coupled to the dispenser outlet 18 and full, operationof the master dispenser 10 discharges liquid through the personaldispenser 20 and onto a user's hand. This is preferred but notnecessary. For example, each personal dispenser 20 could be configuredsuch that while coupled to the dispenser outlet 18, once the personaldispenser 20 is filled with liquid, further operation of the pumpassembly 16 will not discharge liquid out the personal dispenser 20. Forexample, the further operation of the pump assembly 16 after thepersonal dispenser 20 is full will not discharge any further liquid. Thepersonal dispenser 20 must be removed from the dispenser outlet 18 forliquid to be discharged onto a user's hand from the dispenser outlet 18,or the personal dispenser 20 manually operated to discharge fluid fromits outlet port 42 while the personal dispenser 20 is coupled to thedispenser outlet 18. In any case, preferably an arrangement is providedfor detecting the amount of liquid discharged from the master dispenser10 whether directly onto a user's hand or into a personal dispenser 20.

Reference is made to FIGS. 23 to 26 which show a liquid master dispenser10 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.The fourth embodiment of FIGS. 23 to 26 is identical to the firstembodiment of FIGS. 1 to 11, with the exceptions that (a) a two wayvalve mechanism 200 including a refill tube 202 are provided on thespout tube 134, and (b) an opening 204 is provided through the shroud19.

The valve mechanism 200 is movable between a flow through condition asin FIGS. 23 and 26 in which fluid from the pump assembly 16 is directedmerely to the discharge outlet 18, and a diversion condition as in FIGS.24 and 25 in which fluid from the pump assembly 16 is directed merely tothe refill tube 202.

Reference is made to FIG. 25 which shows a vertical cross-sectionthrough the valve mechanism 200. The valve mechanism 200 includes avalve housing 206, a valve member 230 and a cap 232.

The housing 206 defines a cylindrical bore 207 disposed about a verticalaxis 208. The bore 207 is closed at a lower end 209 and open at an upperend 210.

The valve housing 206 has a cylindrical inlet collar 211 disposed abouta lower horizontal axis 213. The inlet collar 211 receives coaxiallytherein an inlet portion 214 of the spout tube 134 which receives fluidfrom the pump assembly 16. The inlet collar 211 opens into a diverterchamber 215 which has two cylindrical outlet ports. A lower outlet port216 opens into the bore 207 and is coaxial about the lower horizontalaxis 213. An upper outlet port 217 opens into the bore 207 and iscoaxial about an upper horizontal axis 218 spaced above the lowerhorizontal axis 213. The housing 206 has a cylindrical lower outletcollar 219 which opens into the bore 207 diametrically across from thelower outlet port 216 and is coaxial about the lower horizontal axis213. The lower outlet collar 219 securely receives therein an outerportion 220 of the spout tube 134 which extends to the discharge outlet18.

The valve member 230 is cylindrical and sized to be coaxially receivedwithin the bore 207 and for relative rotation therein about the verticalaxis 208 between a flow-through condition as seen in FIG. 26 and adiversion condition as seen in FIG. 25 by rotation of the valve member230 90 degrees about the axis 208, the refill tube 202 is fixedlysecured to the valve member 233 with the refill tube 202 coaxial aboutthe vertical axis 208. As can be seen in FIG. 23, a handle member 234 isfixedly secured to the refill tube 202 for rotation therewith and formovement between a position corresponding to the flow-through conditionas shown in FIG. 23 in which the handle extends forwardly and rearwardlyand a position corresponding to the diversion condition as shown in FIG.24 in which the handle extends side to side.

The valve member 230 has two flow passageways therethrough. Acylindrical lower passageway 233 extends through the valve member 230along a horizontal axis 235. An L-shaped diverter passageway 236 extendsthrough the valve member 230 with a horizontal portion 237 about ahorizontal axis 238 and a vertical portion 240 coaxial about the axis208, and an arcuate portion 241 which joins the horizontal portion 237and the vertical portion 240.

The refill tube 202 is fixedly coaxially received within an upper end ofthe vertical portion 240.

As seen in FIG. 25, corresponding to the diversion condition, thediverter passageway 236 is open to the diverter chamber 215 via theupper outlet port 217 such that fluid flow from the inlet portion 214 ofthe spout tube 134 passes through the diverter chamber 215 into thediverter passageway 236 and to the refill tube 202. In the position asseen in FIG. 25, the through passageway 233 is disposed to extendperpendicular to the lower horizontal axis 218 and thus fluid flowthrough the bore 207 from the diverter chamber 25 to the lower outletcollar 219 is prevented.

Referring to FIG. 26, which represents the flow-through condition, theflow-through passageway 233 is disposed coaxially with the lowerhorizontal axis 213 and fluid from the pump assembly 16 may flow fromthe inlet portion 214 of the spout tube 134 through the diverter chamber215 through the lower outlet port 216 into the bore 207 through theflow-through passageway 233 in the valve member 230 and out the outletcollar 219 to the outer portion 220 of the spout tube 134 and hence tothe discharge outlet 18. Flow from the diverter chamber 215 to therefill tube 202 is blocked since the valve member 230 blocks the upperoutlet port 217.

The valve member 230 is axially retained within the bore 207 by athreaded cap 232 which engages an axial shoulder on the valve member 230urging a lower end of the valve member 230 downwardly onto a firstsealing ring 242 disposed between the lower end of the valve member 230and the lower end 209 of the bore 207 coaxially about the vertical axis208. A second sealing ring 244 is coaxially about the vertical axis 208providing a seal between a cylindrical inner surface of the bore 207 anda cylindrical outer surface of the valve member 230.

As can be seen in FIG. 23, the refill tube 202 extends upwardly throughthe shroud 19 through the opening 204. The opening 204 permits therefill tube 202 to move vertically with the spout tube 134 relative theshroud 19 during an operation of the pump assembly 16 to dispense fluid.

The refill tube 202 has a refill outlet 250 preferably having aconfiguration similar to the outlet end 26 of the discharge outlet 18such that a personal dispenser 20 of the type illustrated in FIG. 5 maybe coupled to the refill outlet 250 as illustrated in FIG. 24. With thevalve mechanism 200 in the diverted condition as seen in FIG. 24 or FIG.26 with operation of the pump assembly 16, fluid is discharged into thepersonal dispenser 20 to fill the same by manual operation of theactuator 22. When the personal dispenser 20 becomes filled with liquidas may be seen, for example, by a person using the dispenser 10 seeingthe fluid as filling the transparent diaphragm pump 60 in the personaldispenser 20, manual operation of the pump assembly 16 is ceased, thehandle 234 may be rotated 90 degrees from the diversion condition to theflow-through condition as shown in FIG. 23 and the personal dispenser 20removed from the refill tube 202 for remote use.

FIG. 24 shows a mounting dock 28 coupled to the spout tube 134. With amounting dock 28 coupled to the spout tube 134, then a personaldispenser 20 may also be coupled to the discharge outlet 18 as with thefirst embodiment of FIG. 1. However, in the fourth embodiment, theprovision of a mounting dock 28 on the spout tube 134 is not necessary.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 24, a personal dispenser 20 isshown as coupled to the refill tube 202 with the personal dispenser 20having the same configuration as in FIG. 5. This, of course, is notnecessary and a personal dispenser with a different configuration may beprovided adapted for removable coupling to the refill tube 202 forfilling. For example, a different personal dispenser might be arrangedso as to extend more vertically upwardly from the refill tube 202effectively coaxially about the refill tube 202 as for balancing of thepersonal dispenser upon the refill tube 202. The personal dispenser maybe configured such that when the personal dispenser is full of theliquid, the flow of fluid out of the outlet of the personal dispenser 20is prevented.

In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention, the dischargeoutlet 28 may include a spray nozzle in its outlet 26 of a type, forexample, to spray small droplets or a mist of the liquid being dispensedas can be accommodated by providing restrictions or rotating memberswith the outlet 26. Similarly, the personal dispenser 20 may have, inaddition to a one-way outlet valve 66, a discharge outlet which alsoprovides such a spray nozzle to spray small droplets or a mist of theliquid when the personal dispenser such is manually operated. In thecontext of the arrangement in FIG. 24, insofar as the dispenser outlet26 has a spray nozzle, it may be advantageous to refill the personaldispenser 20 from the refill nozzle rather than through the outlet 26.

The master dispenser 10 can incorporate additional mechanisms fordischarging the liquid from the reservoir 12. For example, as in thefourth embodiment of FIGS. 23 to 26, liquid discharged by a single pumpassembly 16 is delivered by suitable valving arrangements such as thetwo-way valve assembly 200 either to the dispenser outlet 18 or to aseparate and distinct refill outlet 250 as on a refill tube 202 outlet,with a personal dispenser 20 to be removably attached to the refilloutlet. The valving arrangements could have many alternateconfigurations to the two-way arrangement like that of the fourthembodiment which permit a manual selection as to which one of a numberof outlets the liquid is to be dispensed, for example, through rotatingor sliding a movable valve member to selectively choose which outletreceives fluid from an internal conduit 120 of the pump assembly 16.More than one such refill outlet may be provided. More than onedischarge outlet may be provided.

A first alternate arrangement can be such that: (a) while a personaldispenser 20 is coupled to a refill outlet, fluid does not flow to thedispenser outlet 18 and fluid only flows out the refill outlet into thepersonal dispenser 20 until the personal dispenser 20 is full; (b) theliquid does not flow out of the personal dispenser 20 until the personaldispenser 20 is uncoupled from the refill outlet; (c) while the personaldispenser is not coupled to the refill outlet fluid merely flows to thedischarge dispenser outlet 18 and onto a user's hand.

A second alternate arrangement can be such that: (a) while a personaldispenser 20 is coupled to the refill outlet, fluid does not flow to thedispenser outlet 18 and fluid only flows out the refill outlet into thepersonal dispenser 20 until the personal dispenser 20 is full; (b) theliquid does not flow out of the personal dispenser 20 until the personaldispenser 20 is uncoupled from the refill outlet; (c) while the personaldispenser 20 is coupled to the refill outlet and the personal dispenser20 is full of liquid, liquid flows to the dispenser outlet 18 and onto auser's hand; and (d) while the personal dispenser 20 is not coupled tothe refill outlet, fluid merely flows to the dispenser outlet 18 andonto a user's hand.

The master dispenser 10 could be provided with two different pumpassemblies 16 with one to have liquid it discharges flow to thedispenser outlet 18 and onto a user's hand, and a second pump assemblyto have the liquid it discharges flow to a refill outlet separate fromthe dispenser outlet 18, and adapted to have personal dispensers 20removably coupled thereto for merely refilling. The pump assemblies 16could be activated manually or driven by electric motors 142. Selectionof the pump assembly 16 activated will determine where the liquid isdelivered. Suitable selection of which pump assembly 16 may be activatedcan take into account whether or not a personal dispenser 20 is coupledto a refill outlet.

Any refill outlet which is separate from the dispenser outlet 18 mayshare some or all of their liquid pumping and delivery components withthe dispenser outlet 18, or may be formed as entirely separatestructures which do not share some or all of their liquid pumping anddelivery components with the dispenser outlet 18. Preferably, all liquiddispensed is from the same reservoir 12. Preferably, however, anarrangement is provided for detecting the amount of liquid dischargedfrom the master dispenser 10 whether directly onto a user's hand or intoa personal dispenser 20.

Any suitable sensor arrangement for detecting the amount of liquiddischarged from the master dispenser 10 could be used including, forexample, ones that (i) detect a volume or a mass of the liquid containedin the reservoir 12; (ii) detect a flow of the liquid through thedispenser outlet 18; (iii) detect a flow of the liquid through therefill outlet; (iv) detect the activation of the discharge mechanism; or(v) detect the activation of the filling mechanism.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show a reservoir cartridge 350 in accordance with afifth preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein like referencenumerals are used to denote like components. The reservoir cartridge 350comprises a reservoir 12 and a personal dispenser 20, which areconfigured to be used with a liquid master dispenser 10 in a similarmanner as in the embodiments described above. What distinguishes thefifth embodiment of the invention from the previously describedembodiments, is that the reservoir 12 and the personal dispenser 20 arepackaged together in an initial bundled configuration for distribution.In particular, the reservoir 12 has a cavity 300 that is shaped toreceive the personal dispenser 20 therein. The personal dispenser 20 isconfigured so as not to protrude from the cavity 300, with the face ofthe personal dispenser 20 approximately flush with the face of thereservoir 12. This gives the reservoir cartridge 350 a relatively flatand smooth outer profile, which permits the cartridge 350 to beefficiently packaged together for shipment to customers, such as stackedwith other cartridges 350 in a box. The reservoir 12 has smallindentations 302 on either side of the cavity 300, to allow customers tograsp the personal dispenser 20 to remove it from the cavity 300 foruse.

The reservoir 12 and personal dispenser 20 are provided with a commonlabel 304 having a first part 306 that is permanently affixed to theouter surface of the reservoir 12, and a second part 308 that ispermanently affixed to the outer surface of the personal dispenser 20.The label 304 has a perforated line 310 at the junction between thefirst part 306 and the second part 308, which allows a user to cleanlytear the label 304 along the perforated line 310 when removing thepersonal dispenser 20 from the cavity 300. The common label 304 helps tohold the personal dispenser 20 within the cavity 300 during packagingand shipment, and also allows the reservoir 12 and personal dispenser 20to be marked with required information such as batch numbers and thelike. The label 304 also helps customers to detect if the cartridge 350may have been tampered with during shipment. In particular, byinspecting the cartridge 350 to see if the label 304 has been torn, acustomer can detect if the personal dispenser 20 has been removed fromthe cavity 300.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 29 and 30, which show a liquid masterdispenser 10 in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of theinvention, wherein like reference numerals are used to denote likecomponents. This embodiment of the invention is generally similar to thefirst embodiment of the invention described above, and operates in asimilar manner. The features of the sixth embodiment of the inventionwhich differ from those of the first embodiment are described below.

The sixth embodiment of the invention uses a cradle type dock 312 forcoupling the personal dispenser 20 to the spout tube 134 of the masterdispenser 10, in place of the mounting dock 28 used in the firstembodiment of the invention. The personal dispenser 20 is substantiallythe same as used in the first embodiment, with exception that thearcuate docking seat 44 is removed. The cradle type dock 312 hasresiliently flexible arms 314 that, when in an unbiased state, define aninner profile that is complimentary to the outer profile of the personaldispenser 20. To couple the personal dispenser 20 to the dock 312, thearms 314 are manually pulled apart and the personal dispenser 20 ispositioned therebetween, with the outlet end 26 of the spout tube 134inserted into the inlet port 40 of the personal dispenser 20. The arms314 are then released, allowing them to return to their unbiased statearound the personal dispenser 20, holding the personal dispenser 20 inplace. To uncouple the personal dispenser 20 from the dock 312, the arms314 are pulled apart and the personal dispenser 20 is removed.

Preferably, the personal dispenser 20 and dock 312 incorporate lock-outfeatures that prevent them from coupling with unapproved devices, suchas devices made by other manufacturers. For example, as shown in FIGS.29 and 30, the personal dispenser 20 can incorporate a rib 316 that fitsinto a complementary void 318 in the dock 312. When an approved personaldispenser 20 is used with the corresponding dock 312, the rib 316 andthe void 318 are aligned so that docking is possible. However, if a userattempts to use an unauthorized personal dispenser 20 having a differentshape, including ribs 316 that are not properly aligned with voids 318in the dock 312, the lock-out features will prevent the dock 312 and thepersonal dispenser 20 from coupling. This prevents any impairment ofperformance that might otherwise occur if an unauthorized personaldispenser 20 was coupled to the master dispenser 10. It is to beappreciated that any desired configuration of lock-out features could beused, including, for example, any combination of one or more sets ofribs 316, voids 318, protrusions, cavities, and keyed structures locatedon the personal dispenser 20 and dock 312, or on other associatedstructures.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 31 to 37, which show a liquid masterdispenser 10 in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of theinvention, wherein like reference numerals are used to denote likecomponents. The seventh embodiment of the invention correspondsidentically to the first embodiment of the invention described above,with the exception that the personal dispenser 20 has a modified,airless construction. The mounting dock 28 also has an alternateconstruction for coupling with the modified personal dispenser 20.

As shown in FIG. 31, the personal dispenser 20 has a rigid, generallyrectangular outer housing 450. As best shown in FIG. 34, the housing 450defines an internal cavity 452 that extends longitudinally between afirst end 454 and a second end 456 of the housing 450. The inlet port 40and the outlet port 42 are situated near the first end 454, and arespaced from the second end 456. A collapsible internal bellows or bag400 is arranged within the internal cavity 452, and is attached in aliquid tight manner to the one-way inlet valve 56 of the inlet port 40and the one-way outlet valve 66 of the outlet port 42. The bag 400defines a liquid chamber 402 for containing liquid within the personaldispenser 20. The bag 400 expands and contracts longitudinally withinthe cavity 452 as liquid enters from the inlet port 40 or exits from theoutlet port 42, such that the volume of the liquid chamber 402 variesdepending on the amount of liquid contained therein.

The personal dispenser 20 incorporates a ratcheted plunger mechanism 404for compressing the bag 400, to thereby expel the liquid contained inthe bag 400 out through the outlet port 42. The ratcheted plungermechanism 404 comprises a plunger body 406 with a flexible pawl 408 thatengages with a rack 410 of teeth 412 arranged longitudinally on aninternal upper surface of the housing 450. A connecting body 414connects the flexible pawl 408, located within the housing 450, to anexternal push button 416. As best shown in FIG. 31, the connecting body414 is slidably arranged within a side slot 418 of the housing 450. Theplunger body 406 can be moved longitudinally toward the first end 454 ofthe housing 450 by manually pushing the push button 416 in thatdirection.

The flexible pawl 408 has an angled foot 420 that engages with the rack410. As the plunger body 406 moves toward the first end 454 of thehousing 450, the flexible nature of the pawl 408 permits the foot 420 tobend downwards, away from the rack 410, as it passes over the teeth 412.This permits the plunger body 406 to be moved freely toward the firstend 454. In doing so, the plunger body 406 presses against the bag 400,causing it to compress. This increases the internal pressure of theliquid within the bag 400, and once a threshold pressure has beenreached, forces the liquid through the one-way outlet valve 66 of theoutlet port 42. The one-way inlet valve 56 prevents the liquid fromdischarging from the inlet port 40.

Preferably, the personal dispenser 20 is configured so that each step ofthe plunger body 406 along the rack 410 consistently discharges a knownquantity of the liquid from the outlet port 42. For example, thepersonal dispenser 20 could be configured to discharge 0.5 ml of theliquid with each step of the plunger body 406 along the rack 410, suchthat a user is able to estimate the total amount of liquid that has beendischarged from the personal dispenser 20 by counting the number ofaudible clicks that are heard as the plunger 406 is moved. The housing450 could also be provided with markings that indicate the volume ofliquid held within the bag 400 at each position of the push button 416.

Once the bag 400 has been fully compressed and the plunger body 406 islocated near the first end 454 of the housing 450, the angle of the foot420 against the teeth 412 of the rack 410 prevents the foot 420 frombeing moved back along the rack 410 toward the second end 456. Thislocks the plunger body 406 in place, preventing the bag 400 fromexpanding so long as the foot 420 remains engaged with the rack 410. Torelease the engagement of the foot 420 with the rack 410, and therebyunlock the plunger body 406, the personal dispenser 20 is docked to themounting dock 28.

FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate the arrangement of the flexible pawl 408relative to the rack 410 when uncoupled from the mounting dock 28 (FIG.36), and when coupled to the mounting dock 28 (FIG. 37). To improveclarity, the bag 400 has been omitted from FIGS. 36 and 37. As can beseen in FIGS. 31 and 36, the top surface of the housing 450 has acentrally located mounting slot 422. The teeth 412 of the rack 410 arearranged longitudinally on either side of the mounting slot 422. Theslot 422 is sized to receive an unlocking rib 424 of the mounting dock28 therein. When the personal dispenser 20 is mounted to the mountingdock 28, the unlocking rib 424 is received within the mounting slot 422,and the rib 424 pushes the foot 420 of the flexible pawl 408 away from,and out of engagement with, the rack 410. This is shown in FIGS. 35 and37 (in FIG. 35, the teeth 412 located behind the rib 424 are shown indashed lines). With the foot 420 disengaged from the rack 410, theplunger body 406 is unlocked and can freely move toward the second end456 of the housing 450. As such, it is possible to fill the bag 400 withfurther liquid while the personal dispenser 20 is mounted to the dock28.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 36, the personal dispenser 20 and the mountingdock 28 have a set of complimentary magnets 426 that align when theunlocking rib 424 of the mounting dock 28 is received within themounting slot 422 of the personal dispenser 20. These magnets 426 holdthe personal dispenser 20 and the mounting dock 28 together whencoupled. It is to be appreciated, however, that any other suitablemounting mechanism could be used instead to hold the personal dispenser20 and the mounting dock 28 together.

As in the previously described embodiments, when the personal dispenser20 is mounted to the mounting dock 28, the outlet end 26 of the spouttube 134 is sealingly received within the inlet port 40 of the personaldispenser 20. Liquid is pumped into the bag 400 of the personaldispenser 20 by activating the pump assembly 16 of the master dispenser10, as in the previously described embodiments. The liquid enters thepersonal dispenser 20 via the inlet port 40, and fills up the bag 400.As the bag 400 fills, it expands longitudinally, pushing the plungerbody 406 toward the second end 456 of the housing 450. Once the bag 400has reached its maximum capacity, any further liquid that is pumped intothe bag 400 increases the internal pressure therein. Once the thresholdpressure is reached, pumping further liquid into the bag 400 forces anallotment of liquid through the one-way outlet valve 66 of the outletport 42.

As in the previously described embodiments, the personal dispenser 20can be removed from the master dispenser 10, and used to provide asupply of the liquid at another location. The liquid within the bag 400is discharged from the outlet port 42 by pushing the push button 416toward the first end 454 of the housing 450, in the manner as describedabove. The personal dispenser 20 can then be refilled as needed bymounting it to the master dispenser 10, and activating the pump assembly16.

The inventors have appreciated that this construction of the personaldispenser 20 reduces or eliminates contact between the liquid receivedby the personal dispenser 20 and atmospheric air. In particular, the bag400 simply expands as it fills with liquid, and there is no aircontained therein that needs to be expelled to accommodate the liquid.Furthermore, when the liquid is expelled from the outlet port 42, thebag 400 simply collapses, and there is no need to take in air to replacethe discharged liquid.

As such, with this construction of the personal dispenser 20, liquid canbe pumped directly from the master dispenser 10 into the personaldispenser 20 without contacting atmospheric air. This reduces the riskof the liquid becoming contaminated by air borne contaminants, includingair borne bacteria such as Legionella.

Preferably, the master dispenser 10 is also configured to eliminatecontact between the liquid and atmospheric air, to further reduce therisk of contamination. For example, the reservoir 12 is preferablydesigned to collapse as liquid is discharged therefrom, instead oftaking in atmospheric air to replace the discharged liquid. The sealingengagement between the outlet end 26 of the spout tube 134 and the inletport 40 furthermore prevents the liquid from contacting atmospheric airas it is transferred from the spout tube 134 to the personal dispenser20.

During manufacturing, the housing 450 of the personal dispenser 20 isoptionally constructed from separate top 470 and bottom 472 halves.While the top 470 and bottom 472 halves are detached from one another,the internal cavity 452 is easily accessible so that the internalcomponents of the personal dispenser 20 can be arranged therein. Forexample, the bag 400 can be placed between the top 470 and bottom 472halves of the housing 450, so that the bag 400 will sit within theinternal cavity 452 once the two halves 470, 472 of the housing 450 areattached together. The plunger body 406 can also be put in place, withthe push button 416 arranged on the outer surface of the bottom half 472of the housing 450, and the connecting body 414 positioned so that itwill sit within the side slot 418 once the top half 470 is attached.Once the internal components are in place, the top 470 and bottom 472halves can be securely attached to one another using glue, heat bonding,snap connections, or any other suitable bonding or attachmenttechniques.

The reservoir 12 is preferably made from plastic, although any othersuitable materials that would adequately contain the liquid could beused instead, such as, in some embodiments of the invention, metal. Theliquid is preferably hand soap or hand sanitizer, although other liquidssuch as hand lotion or sunscreen could be used as desired. Preferably,the reservoir 12 is sized to contain 250 to 5000 ml of the liquid, andmore preferably 500 to 2000 ml, although any other desired size could beused instead.

The receptacle 38 is preferably formed from molded plastic, though anyother suitable materials could be used instead. Preferably, thereceptacle 38 is sized to contain between 10 ml and 80 ml of the liquid,and more preferably between 20 ml and 60 ml, or between 20 ml and 25 ml,although any other desired size could be used. The receptacle 38 may befully or partially transparent, to permit visual assessment of thevolume of the liquid contained therein.

While the preferred embodiments have described the pump assembly 16 as apiston pump, it is to be appreciated that any suitable pump constructioncould be used including, for example, different positive displacementpumps, gear pumps, plunger pumps, and hydraulic pumps. Furthermore, theinvention is not limited to the specific valve constructions that havebeen depicted and described.

While the preferred embodiments have been described as incorporatingparticular sensor types, it is to be appreciated that many other sensortypes could be used to achieve the desired functionality including, forexample, devices that sense mass, motion, temperature, position,electrical properties, magnetic properties, optical properties, or anyother detectable properties.

In the first embodiment of the invention described above, preferably thewidth of the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 at the front end 32of the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 is approximately equal tothe width of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 at the front end46 of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52; and a width of theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 immediately adjacent to thefront end 32 of the elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 is greaterthan the width of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52 at the frontend 46 of the elongated dovetail shaped channel 52. Also, the width ofthe elongated dovetail shaped projection 36 at the back end 34 of theelongated dovetail shaped projection 36 is greater than the width of theelongated dovetail shaped channel 52 at the front end of the elongateddovetail shaped channel 52; and the width of the elongated dovetailshaped channel 52 at the back end 48 of the elongated dovetail shapedchannel 52 is greater than the width of the elongated dovetail shapedprojection 36 at the front end 32 of the elongated dovetail shapedprojection 36.

It is to be appreciated that the term “personal dispenser” 20 as usedherein is intended to include within its scope mobile dispensing devicesthat are used by multiple individuals, as well as mobile dispensingdevices that may be used by only a single individual. For example, thepersonal dispenser 20 could be positioned at a point of care, such as ata patient's bedside, where it is available to dispense the liquid to anyhealthcare worker that visits the patient. The term “personal” is notintended to, in any way, limit the scope of the personal dispenser 20 ofthe present invention to dispensing devices that are only used by asingle user.

As used herein, the term “liquid” is intended to refer broadly to anyflowable and relatively dense substance including, for example, gels,creams, foams, and flowable composite materials.

It will be understood that, although various features of the inventionhave been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments ofthe invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention maybe combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodimentsof the invention as described and illustrated herein.

Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferredembodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the inventionincludes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalentsof the specific embodiments and features that have been described andillustrated herein.

We claim:
 1. A replaceable cartridge for a liquid master dispenser,comprising: a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed from theliquid master dispenser; and a personal dispenser removably coupled tothe reservoir, the personal dispenser comprising: a receptacle forcontaining liquid to be dispensed from the personal dispenser; and anoutlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle; wherein thepersonal dispenser is configured for selectively discharging the liquidcontained in the receptacle from the outlet port, after the personaldispenser is removed from the reservoir.
 2. The replaceable cartridgeaccording to claim 1, wherein the reservoir has a cavity sized forremovably receiving the personal dispenser.
 3. The replaceable cartridgeaccording to claim 2, wherein the personal dispenser is held within thecavity of the reservoir in an initial bundled configuration.
 4. Thereplaceable cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising a labelthat is secured to a face of the reservoir and a face of the personaldispenser while in the initial bundled configuration; wherein the labelis configured to be severed upon removal of the personal dispenser fromthe cavity, so as to leave a first portion of the label secured to theface of the reservoir and a second portion of the label secured to theface of the personal dispenser.
 5. The replaceable cartridge accordingto claim 2, wherein the personal dispenser is held within the cavity ofthe reservoir, without protruding from the cavity, when in an initialbundled configuration.
 6. The replaceable cartridge according to claim5, wherein the reservoir has a face in which the cavity is formed, andthe personal dispenser has a face that is substantially flush with theface of the reservoir when in the initial bundled configuration.
 7. Thereplaceable cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the replaceablecartridge has a substantially flat profile when in the initial bundledconfiguration.
 8. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 2,wherein the reservoir has at least one indentation adjacent to thecavity.
 9. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 8, wherein theat least one indentation is configured to provide manual access forremoval of the personal dispenser from the cavity.
 10. The replaceablecartridge according to claim 9, wherein the at least one indentationcomprises two indentations that are provided on opposite sides of thecavity, the two indentations being sized and spaced to allow a user tograsp and remove the personal dispenser from the cavity.
 11. Thereplaceable cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the reservoircomprises: a top wall with an outlet opening; a bottom wall; and a sidewall that connects the top wall and the bottom wall; wherein the cavityis formed as a recess in the side wall.
 12. The replaceable cartridgeaccording to claim 1, wherein the reservoir is formed from plastic. 13.The replaceable cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the reservoirhas a reservoir outlet for selective discharge of the liquid from thereservoir; wherein the personal dispenser has an inlet port forreceiving the liquid discharged from the reservoir outlet andcommunicating the liquid to the receptacle; wherein the personaldispenser is configured to sealingly engage with the reservoir outlet sothat the liquid discharged from the reservoir outlet accumulates in thereceptacle, the personal dispenser being selectively removable from thereservoir outlet; wherein the inlet port comprises a one-way inlet valvethat permits fluid to enter the receptacle through the inlet port, andprevents fluid from exiting the receptacle through the inlet port; andwherein the receptacle defines an internal volume and is compressible toselectively reduce the internal volume from an uncompressed volume to acompressed volume upon application of a compressing force, to therebydischarge the liquid from the outlet port.
 14. The replaceable cartridgeaccording to claim 1, wherein the liquid to be dispensed from the masterliquid dispenser and the liquid to be dispensed from the personaldispenser comprises a hand cleaner.
 15. A liquid dispenser, comprising:a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed; a dispenser outletfor discharge of the liquid from the reservoir; a discharge mechanismoperable to discharge the liquid from the dispenser outlet whenactivated; a refill outlet configured to couple with a personaldispenser and deliver the liquid from the reservoir to the personaldispenser; and a filling mechanism operable to deliver the liquid fromthe refill outlet when activated; wherein the dispenser outlet isseparate from the refill outlet.
 16. The liquid dispenser according toclaim 15, further comprising a valve arrangement for directing theliquid from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet or the refill outlet,wherein the valve arrangement is configured to: permit the liquid toflow from the reservoir to the refill outlet, and prevent the liquidfrom flowing from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet, when thepersonal dispenser is coupled to the refill outlet and contains lessthan a preselected volume of the liquid; permit the liquid to flow fromthe reservoir to the dispenser outlet, and prevent the liquid fromflowing from the reservoir to the refill outlet, when the personaldispenser is coupled to the refill outlet and contains the preselectedvolume of the liquid; and permit the liquid to flow from the reservoirto the dispenser outlet, and prevent the liquid from flowing from thereservoir to the refill outlet, when the personal dispenser is uncoupledfrom the refill outlet.
 17. The liquid dispenser according to claim 15,further comprising a conduit for conveying the liquid from the reservoirto the dispenser outlet or the refill outlet, the conduit having aconduit inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and a conduitoutlet; wherein the dispenser outlet and the refill outlet are rotatablymounted relative to the conduit outlet for selectively alternatingbetween a dispensing condition, wherein the dispenser outlet is alignedwith and in fluid communication with the conduit outlet, and a refillcondition, wherein the refill outlet is aligned with and in fluidcommunication with the conduit outlet.
 18. The liquid dispenseraccording to claim 15, further comprising a usage monitoring systemconfigured to generate information indicative of an amount of the liquiddispensed from the liquid dispenser, wherein said amount includes boththe liquid dispensed from the dispenser outlet and the liquid deliveredto the personal dispenser from the refill outlet; wherein the usagemonitoring system comprises at least one of: a sensor configured todetect a volume or a mass of the liquid contained in the reservoir; asensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through the dispenseroutlet; a sensor configured to detect a flow of the liquid through therefill outlet; a sensor configured to detect the activation of thedischarge mechanism; and a sensor configured to detect the activation ofthe filling mechanism.
 19. The liquid dispenser according to claim 15,further comprising: a sensor configured to detect if the personaldispenser is coupled to the refill outlet; and a sensor configured todetect if the personal dispenser is full; wherein the filling mechanismis configured to automatically deliver the liquid from the refill outletto the personal dispenser, when the personal dispenser is coupled to therefill outlet; and wherein the filling mechanism is configured toautomatically stop delivery of the liquid from the refill outlet to thepersonal dispenser, when the personal dispenser is full.
 20. The liquiddispenser according to claim 15, wherein the liquid comprises a handcleaner.